Marc-Andre Fleury's signing of a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins signals a likely end to any potential connection with the Edmonton Oilers. The move appears to be more of a symbolic gesture, allowing Fleury to bid farewell to the city where he spent a significant part of his career and won three Stanley Cups.

Fleury's agent, Allan Walsh, had recently revealed that several teams reached out to Fleury about a possible return, but Fleury declined to reconsider. It is unclear whether the Oilers were among the teams that contacted Fleury. By choosing to join the Penguins for a final appearance, Fleury indicates that he is content with his career achievements and ready to fully embrace retirement.

For the Oilers, this likely means they will have to explore other options if they seek to bolster their goaltending. The Oilers currently have Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard as their goaltending tandem. Some analysts believed that Fleury could have been a mid-season acquisition if the Oilers' goaltending struggled. With Fleury seemingly out of the picture, the Oilers may turn their attention to other potential goaltending solutions, such as Carter Hart or John Gibson.

Kyle Dubas, the Penguins' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, emphasized that Fleury's return is a "full-circle moment". Fleury will practice with the team on September 26 and participate in a preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 27. Dubas stated that the Penguins organization is honored to welcome Fleury back to Pittsburgh and recognize his impact on the team, the fans, and the city.

Fleury's time with the Penguins was marked by significant achievements. Drafted first overall by the Penguins in 2003, he spent 13 seasons with the team, amassing numerous records. His 691 games played, 375 wins, and 44 shutouts are the most in Penguins' history for a goaltender. Fleury also played a crucial role in the Penguins' Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017.

After leaving the Penguins, Fleury played for the Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild. Throughout his 22-season NHL career, he recorded 575 regular-season wins, placing him second on the all-time list. He also won the Vezina Trophy in 2021 and appeared in four All-Star Games.

Fleury's decision to sign a PTO with the Penguins appears to be a final chapter in his NHL career, allowing him to celebrate his accomplishments with the team and fans who supported him throughout his journey. While the Oilers may have been a potential destination under different circumstances, Fleury's return to Pittsburgh suggests that he is ready to move on to the next phase of his life.