Rumors surrounding a potential return to the NHL for veteran goaltender Marc-André Fleury have intensified, with insiders now suggesting the possibility is more than just speculation. Fleury, who is 41 years old, officially retired after the 2024-25 season, following a 21-year career. However, the allure of another Stanley Cup run appears to be a strong motivator for the future Hall of Famer.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun initially reported that several teams have contacted Fleury to gauge his interest in a comeback. This sparked considerable discussion within the hockey community, with many wondering if the three-time Stanley Cup champion would consider ending his retirement.
Adding fuel to the fire, Mike Rupp and Devan Dubnyk of the NHL Network stated that Fleury's name has been circulating internally among NHL circles. They identified the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens as the most likely destinations if Fleury were to return. Both analysts agreed that Fleury would only come back to play a significant role and compete for wins, not just serve as a backup.
Frank Seravalli of Sports 1440 has further amplified the rumors, suggesting that the Oilers are indeed one of the teams that have inquired about Fleury's availability. Seravalli went as far as to estimate a "70/30" chance of Fleury playing with Edmonton during the latter half of the season.
The potential fit with Edmonton is intriguing, given the team's current goaltending situation. Despite acquiring Tristan Jarry, the Oilers' goaltending has been inconsistent, with injuries also playing a factor. Fleury's veteran presence and proven track record could provide stability and leadership in net for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Montreal presents a different kind of appeal for Fleury. As a native of Quebec, finishing his career with the Canadiens would be a storybook ending. While the Canadiens may not be Cup favorites, the opportunity to play meaningful games in his home province could be enticing for Fleury.
However, some analysts remain skeptical about Fleury's potential impact at this stage of his career. After sub-.900 save percentages in his final two seasons, and starting only 22 games last year, questions linger about whether he can still perform at a high level.
Despite these concerns, the possibility of Fleury joining a contender and competing for another Stanley Cup is a compelling narrative. With several teams potentially interested and Fleury reportedly open to a return, the coming weeks could bring a dramatic twist to the NHL season.
