Nashville Predators general manager David Poile said Wednesday that the team is hopeful center Mike Fisher will be able to return for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals.
Fisher hasn't played since Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Ducks after taking a knee to his head. On Thursday, he practiced for the first time since the injury.
"I think there's a real good chance of that," Poile told reporters Wednesday. "I'm pretty sure you'll see him on the ice [Thursday during practice]. ... I'm optimistic that he will be available."
Poile also said forward Craig Smith, who has played just one game in the past two rounds due to a lower-body injury, will be ready for Game 1. Smith also practiced Thursday.
The Predators are awaiting the winner of the Eastern Conference finals between the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.