After passing Patrick Roy as the winningest goaltender in National Hockey League (NHL) history, Marc-André Fleury can focus on the rest of the Minnesota Wild's season…or possibly another team's.
The unfavorable standings of the team led by head coach John Hynes have led some to believe that various changes will be made to the roster between now and March 8, the NHL trade deadline. And Fleury's case is likely to cause a stir because the 39-year-old veteran has a contract that expires this year.
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With the presence of Filip Gustavsson and prospect Jesper Wallstedt in the club's ranks, general manager Bill Guerin could afford Fleury and his $3.5 million salary. Even as he declared this week that he was unwilling to side with sellers, the CEO risks changing his speech if his people continue to struggle; Minnesota was two games under .500 before visiting the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.
“Guerin admitted that if the Wild drop out of the playoff race, he expects calls from other clubs and plans to talk to Fleury about it. Journalist Pierre LeBrun said on Tuesday on TSN that he would have to have a conversation with his agent Allan Walsh in the coming weeks. They have a complete no-movement clause. So it’s up to them to decide whether to move on time.”
Not now
While LeBrun named some organizations that he believes have immediate needs in net, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes, he reported some statements from Guerin, who doesn't seem to feel the need to constantly trade .
“I think 'Flower' just wants to focus his attention on the team and their game. We will see where this takes us and then we will have appropriate discussions,” he told the hockey expert at The Athletic. It's too early for that and I'm not ready. And I’m sure he isn’t either.”