Marc-André Fleury may be playing his final career season in the National Hockey League (NHL) and will receive a warm and emotional welcome in Pittsburgh on Monday night.
That's logically what awaits the 39-year-old veteran, who has made no secret of the fact that he will be retiring at the end of the season. The Minnesota Wild goaltender travels through western Pennsylvania, where he excelled for more than a decade, winning three Stanley Cups with Sidney Crosby's gang.
However, Fleury will not be in front of his team's goal as John Hynes, the Wild coach, has indicated that Filip Gustavsson will start against the Penguins. So Fleury will say his hypothetical farewell to Pittsburgh from his team's bench.
“[C’est décevant] “A little bit, but I understand the decision,” the goalkeeper told The Athletic. It's okay, I'll play tomorrow [à Boston]. The team was good and won recently. Gus was great. We have to keep going like this.”
Furthermore, no one at the Penguins has forgotten “Flower” even though he left more than six years ago, and the opposite is also true. After all, the Quebecer was the first pick in the 2003 draft and he thanked the organization for its trust by signing 375 wins, a record in franchise history.
“I stayed there for 13 years. They picked me and I played my first game there, fulfilling my dream of playing in the NHL. I won my trophies. The people are always very friendly. It's a very special place for me,” commented No. 29 on the website NHL.com, as he was often treated to cheers from the crowd during their last meeting on April 6 in Pittsburgh.
“I don’t want to show up in every city and be told that this could be my last game. Still, I know it's a possibility. However, I don't regret experiencing these moments. I have to appreciate little things like that.”
Valued teammate
Clearly, Crosby is generous with compliments when it comes time to elaborate on his former teammate, who played his first game on the Bettman circuit the fall after being drafted at age 18.
“He’s been in the league for a long time. As a young goalkeeper, he took on a lot of responsibility and took part in many confrontations. He had a wonderful career and I really enjoyed playing with him. And it’s a constant challenge to keep up with him,” he said.
“He’s a Hall of Famer goalie,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. He is a passionate guy who loves life and sports. His enthusiasm is contagious and he was one of the most popular players in that locker room.