39-year-old goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is on his NHL farewell tour. The Minnesota Wild goalie does not want any extra attention as he takes in the sights and sounds of the NHL in his various stops this year during his 21st season. Fleury announced his intention to retire so that he would not have to answer the endless questions about when he would retire, questions that he was barraged with last year.
The no-frills farewell may work in other cities, but Pittsburgh Penguins fans have a soft spot for Fleury in their hearts. Fleury played 13 seasons in Pittsburgh, from 2003-2017, is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, and is the franchise record-holder at goal for games played (691), minutes played (39,769), wins (375), saves (17,774), and shutouts (44). Since leaving in 2017, he has always received a warm welcome back from Penguins fans so his final skate in Pittsburgh will be even more spirited and emotional.
What a beauty Marc-Andre Fleury is. Says in his final trip around the league this year, “I don’t want any special treatment.” pic.twitter.com/w19jvGVCUH
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 19, 2024
Fleury is anxious to visit Pittsburgh and will be there for three off nights because of the Wild's 10/26 afternoon game in Philadelphia. Though the Penguins will be in Vancouver finishing their West Coast/Canadian swing, Fleury is planning to having dinner with ex-teammates Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang at some point during his stay in Pittsburgh.
Fleury reflects on his Hall of Fame career
Fleury talked about his rookie season watching the veterans at work and hoping for their longevity. He said: "My first year, when I came in and I saw those older guys — Marc Bergevin and Mario (Lemieux), it was around their 20th year also — I just thought, ‘That’d be cool to be doing that.’ Never thought in my mind I could stick around so long, so I’m very fortunate.”
on this day, 21 years ago, marc-andré fleury made his NHL debut with the pittsburgh penguins pic.twitter.com/fbtRY1BTVH
— archive fleury (@dailyfleury) October 10, 2024
He admits that it is harder to compete these days, but he believes his teammates keep him young. Fleury said: “It gets a little tougher, little more stiffness and bumps and bruises, and tiredness, really,..When you’re 20, you’re just buzzing all the time. Now, a little less. But, just getting that rest and making sure you’re ready to go when you’re on the ice (is important). All those guys keep me young, right? It’s good to compete with them. It’s a lot of fun.”
He has played one game this season and is spending a lot of time mentoring the young goalies especiallly Jesper Wallstedt. Will the Wild play Fleury at goal in Pittsburgh? It would be appropriate but is uncertain.