Marc-Andre Fleury wants to play another year, talks NHL Trade Deadline
Anthony Scultore
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Marc-Andre Fleury is a guy people want to play with. He’s loved by players on every team he’s ever been on and respected by opponents. By the way, he still reigning Vezina Trophy winner and a wanted commodity come the NHL Trade Deadline.
As we near the March 21 date to finalize all trades, the 37 year-old spoke today about the possibility of being moved.
Marc-Andre Fleury on trade talks
“No, not much to add to that,” Fleury said about trade talks with the Blackhawks. “I’m sure we will, right? But the deadline’s still weeks away, a month away. Still got a lot of time.”
Fleury is a pending UFA this summer, and will be a valuable trade chip for Chicago to bring in younger assets for the future. With the Hawks unlikely to make the playoffs, waiving his no-trade clause shouldn’t be an issue.
“I don’t have that much left, right? So enjoy this season and hopefully next season again,” Fleury said. “After that, I don’t know.”
When asked about where he may want to go, Fleury wanted to be clear that “IF” he’s traded it would be to a contender.
“I would love a chance to win,” Fleury said. “That’s what I play for and that’s what I love. But like I said, it’s still a big if at this point.”
Fleury is 16-17-3 on the year with a .910 SV% and a 2.88 GAA. He also has three shutouts on the season.
Capitals interested in Fleury, Vegas kills rumors
In a recent episode of The Daily Faceoff Show the Washington Capitals are said to be looking at bringing in MAF.
“The first one is definitely a goalie. I think, as everyone kind of knows, the Capitals are in on Marc-Andre Fleury,” Samantha Pell, who covers the Capitals for the Washington Post said.
“The Capitals definitely need a goalie… You have two pretty solid records from each guy, but when you look deeper into the numbers they’ve given up a lot of goals in a lot of starts. The Capitals have had no consistency from that standpoint,” she continued. “I would say at the trade deadline, it would definitely be a goaltender.”
There was also rumblings that with Robin Lehner’s recent injury in Vegas, the Golden Knights wanted a reunion. GM Kelly McCrimmon killed that speculation immediately.
“I wouldn’t normally speak on such things,” McCrimmon said. “But there will be so much racket about this, it’s important to let people know that’s not going to happen.”
NHL.com
As for where Fleury could sign next season, he’s open to returning to Chicago.
“It’s been good. Obviously, I wish we were winning more,” Fleury said. “Love my teammates– a great bunch of guys. The fans have been good and people around town have been good to me. Only a positive things to say about (Chicago).”