NHL Teams Are Checking on Marc-André Fleury — and Two Fits Stands Out

According to TSN analyst and NHL insider, Pierre LeBrun, “Probably not surprising but hearing that some teams have checked in on Marc-Andre Fleury to see if there’s any chance at all he would consider playing again. Again not surprised teams with goalie needs would want to check on it.”

---

Does this mean that Fleury is ready to come out of retirement and join an NHL roster? No. Does this mean some NHL teams are keeping tabs on him to see if his tendency to stay near the ice and in NHL practices might lead to more? Seems like it.

Interestingly, this comes just hours after another insider, Frank Seravalli, linked the Edmonton Oilers to Fleury. He said in a recent interview with Kevin Karius of Sports 1440 that Fleury has to be on the Oilers’ radar. He noted that Fleury spent another hour and a half on the ice last week with Minnesota Wild scratches, and then there was the preseason game earlier this year with the Pittsburgh Penguins…

Related: Oilers Could Try to Coax Marc-André Fleury Out of Retirement

Seravalli noted, “I think he’s got the itch to keep playing, and I think for a guy who really has made it home in Minnesota, there’s no room for him there with Wallstedt and Gustavsson.” He added, Fleury is “going to be with a team that has an authentic chance to win, and that’s got the Oil written all over it.

Who Else Might Be Interested?

It’s important to note that LeBrun said, “some teams,” as in, more than one. That means, if the Oilers are interested, it isn’t just them getting a read on what Fleury is thinking about these days. The Montreal Canadiens have struggled in goal this season, and they would likely have interest. Firmly in a playoff spot, GM Kent Hughes has cap space to play with and the motivation to improve at the position.

As for other potential contenders who would use a goalie, it might not matter if Fleury doesn’t see a fit, isn’t interested, or doesn’t see a clear pathway to playing games. The conditions would likely have to be exactly right for him to put NHL clubs on his short list.

Next: Oilers Tabbed As Landing Spot for Blues Star Defenseman