The Edmonton Oilers may be considering an unconventional solution to their goaltending woes: coaxing Marc-André Fleury out of retirement. While it might seem like a long shot, the circumstances in Edmonton could make the idea more realistic than it initially appears.
The Oilers' goaltending situation has been unstable. They traded for Tristan Jarry with the hope that he would solidify the position, but Jarry is currently sidelined. This leaves the Oilers scrambling for a reliable goalie as they fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
With Jarry injured, the Oilers have had to rely on other options, including Calvin Pickard and Connor Ingram. While Ingram had a noteworthy first start with the Oilers, the team's inconsistent goaltending has the potential to undermine their strong offensive play. If the current goalies continue to perform below expectations, with save percentages under .900, the Oilers might be forced to explore bolder solutions.
One such solution, however unlikely, involves reaching out to Marc-André Fleury. Fleury, who retired from the NHL after 21 seasons, is still around the game. Despite retiring at the end of last season as a member of the Minnesota Wild, Fleury participated in a preseason game with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also joined Team Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Fleury’s continued involvement in hockey suggests that he still has a passion for the game. This could make him open to a potential return if the circumstances are right. For Edmonton, Fleury could provide short-term stability in net, serving as a reliable option behind Jarry once he recovers.
However, signing Fleury would create a logjam in the Oilers' goaltending ranks. Pickard and Ingram would be affected, and the Oilers would likely have to place one of them on waivers. This is a risky move, as there's no guarantee that the waived goalie would clear, given the constant demand for goaltenders across the league.
Marc-Andre Fleury, nicknamed "Flower," had an impressive career. Drafted first overall in 2003 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, he won three Stanley Cups with the team. He also played for the Vegas Golden Knights, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, and later won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender in 2021. Fleury ranks high in NHL history with 575 wins and over 1,000 games played.
Whether the Oilers actually pursue Fleury remains to be seen. The team may determine that the risk of disrupting their current roster isn't worth the potential reward. It's also possible that Fleury is content with retirement and has no interest in returning to the NHL. However, given Edmonton's uncertain goaltending situation, the idea of coaxing Fleury out of retirement is an intriguing possibility.
