What goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury decides to do this offseason will be a story many hockey fans eye closely. The pending UFA wants to return to the game for another season but where he’ll sign is anyone’s guess. Some have suggested he’ll stay with the Minnesota Wild, while others think he’d like to go back and finish his career in Pittsburgh and backstop in tandem with Tristan Jarry for the Penguins. There is one other team now on the table in terms of consideration.
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That team is the Montreal Canadiens.
In a recent interview, Fleury said he would consider signing in Montreal this offseason. The only catch is, that it will only be if veteran netminder Carey Price is unable to return. Speaking with RDS, Fleury was asked if he would consider coming to the Canadiens if Price didn’t come back. Fleury responded, ”It could be an option, but it is not yet. Carey has finished the season and I wish him to be correct to come back next season.”
Marc-Andre Fleury Canadiens
Fleury wanting his Price to return is admirable. It’s also a strong indication that the 2021 Vezina Trophy Winner is looking to get paid. The reason Montreal would be able to afford Fleury is that Price’s contract would go on LTIR, clearing a ton of money off the books for the Canadiens to give to Fleury. If he’s seeking $7 million or more next season, there are only so many teams that can afford to pony up. The Canadiens could do so if Price wasn’t part of the picture.
Fleury Is Thinking About Returning to the Wild
While the Canadiens aren’t being ruled out and Fleury’s willingness to join a Canadian team is quite interesting, it seems like right now his best odds might be staying with the Wild. They do have a tough cap situation ahead of them that requires sorting out, but Fleury said, “I spoke with Bill Guerin before leaving.” He added, “We have a good relationship, we played together, so it’s easy on that side. I loved Minnesota too, they’re a good bunch of guys.”
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