Marc-André Fleury Comments Add Fuel to Oilers and Canadiens Rumors

Marc-André Fleury may be officially retired, but his recent comments suggest the door to an NHL return isn’t as firmly closed as many assumed — and that only adds fuel to the growing rumors linking him to the Edmonton Oilers or the Montreal Canadiens.

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It sounds odd to suggest that Fleury would still be on Edmonton’s radar, especially given they have three netminders in Tristan Jarry, Calvin Pickard, and Connor Ingram. Not to mention, with Connor Ungar playing well in the AHL, why would the Oilers be looking at another goalie?

The answer? Because it’s Marc-Andre Fleury.

In Montreal, it’s an easier fit to imagine. They have goaltending questions and a real need to add a more secure option.

Fleury Admits He’s Contemplated an NHL Return

In an interview earlier this week, Fleury admitted he’s received calls from teams attempting to lure him back to the league. “Just one call already, that’s more than I expected. It’s not easy to always say no,” the 41-year-old said, stopping short of naming the organizations involved out of respect for their current goaltenders. Still, he acknowledged that some of those conversations made him think twice.

“Honestly, I’ve toyed with the idea a bit,” Fleury said. “I miss it… the feeling of playing hockey, of being part of a group, of having a common goal, of winning games—you don’t get that in everyday life.”

The Oilers continue to face questions in goal after Tristan Jarry’s recent injury reignited concerns about depth behind him. He’s back now, but suffered an overtime loss in his first return against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a decision needs to be made on Connor Ingram (who is waiver exempt for a few more days) and Calvin Pickard is maybe sticking around… maybe not.

Edmonton has already explored goaltending insurance this season — making Fleury’s openness particularly intriguing.

In Montreal, the Canadiens have a nice prospect in Jacob Fowler, but questions still center around Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes. Are they good enough and can they consistently bring the goaltending the Canadiens are going to need?

Fleury was candid about the realities holding him back. He cited age, the speed of today’s NHL, lingering hip issues, and the desire to remain close to his family as reasons he’s stayed home. That doesn’t sound like a goalie itching to jump into a rebuilding situation — but it does sound like someone who might listen if the fit is right.

Would Fleury Truly Consider Either Team?

The Oilers are a legitimate contender with a defined role available: Fleury wouldn’t be asked to carry the load, but he would be a possible 1B option. He would be quality insurance behind Jarry, who has struggled in his short run with the Oilers to stay healthy. For a three-time Stanley Cup champion nearing Hall of Fame status, that scenario checks several boxes. Adding Fleury means the Oilers can afford to move off of Pickard.

In Montreal, maybe Fleury plays a bigger role. There’d be an appeal to playing in his hometown.

Nothing is imminent, and Fleury has given no indication that he’s actively pushing for a return. But his admission that retirement isn’t “all sunshine and rainbows,” combined with an unsettled crease for both teams, makes this more than idle speculation.

If either team’s goaltending picture worsens — or if a playoff push demands certainty — Fleury’s phone may ring again. And next time, saying no might be harder than ever.

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