NHL Trade Talk Daily News: Wild & Canucks, Hughes and Fleury

Welcome to today’s NHL Trade Talk Daily News report (January 30). Each day, we’ll bring you key NHL news, which includes trade rumors, injury updates, and other news about the teams involved in the NHL. In today’s news, we look at one of the NHL’s recent great goalies and an all-around class act. That’s Marc-Andre Fleury, who will be playing his final game against the Canadiens in Montreal tonight. Second, we’ll take a look at last season’s Norris Trophy winner in the Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes. He had another solid game as his team won their third straight game.

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Marc-André Fleury: Building a Legacy with Final Start in Montreal

Marc-André Fleury is one of the greatest goalies of his generation. Tonight is special because he’s scheduled to make his final start in Montreal tonight as the Minnesota Wild face the Canadiens. The 39-year-old native of Sorel, Quebec, is ending a remarkable 21-season career that includes three Stanley Cups and a Vezina Trophy.

Like cream that rises to the top, Fleury also has risen near the top of virtually every all-time goaltending list. He ranks third in regular-season games played (1,042), second in wins (571), and is tied for third in both playoff games played (169) and wins (92). His remarkable longevity and success have made him one of the most respected figures in hockey.

This game holds special meaning for Fleury, who grew up a Canadiens fan just an hour outside Montreal. In an emotional reflection, Fleury shared, “I know there’s going to be a bus coming down from Sorel. I’ll have several of my family members and friends there. My wife (Véronique) will also travel with our three kids from Minnesota. I thank my sister (Marylène) for planning things out with everyone back in Sorel. I’ll be sharing that game with my loved ones.”

Fleury’s final start in Montreal will attract a crowd of family, friends, and supporters. He’s an easy player to root for because he’s been a first-class person and a role model to countless players and fans. A huge congratulations to Fleury for everything he’s accomplished, and here’s wishing him all the best in his final season. Montreal will be a perfect backdrop for this legendary career moment. Win or lose tonight, he’s been remarkable.

Canucks Quinn Hughes: Desperately Working to Lead

Quinn Hughes continues to establish himself as one of the top defensemen in the NHL. As one of the youngest captains in the league, his leadership and skill are undeniable. On Monday, Hughes played a pivotal role in Vancouver’s 3-1 win over Nashville, having a part in the game-winning goal for the 10th time this season. That’s the most among NHL defensemen.

Hughes also extended his point streak to seven games, putting up two assists in the win. He now sits fourth in Canucks history with 78 multi-assist games, trailing only Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, and Stan Smyl.

With 24:36 of ice time and a plus-2 rating, Hughes has become the cornerstone of the Canucks’ blue line and (in fact) the entire team. He’s offensively and defensively gifted and, even with all the turmoil the team has faced, has helped push them into the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Hughes has already passed Thomas Gradin for the fourth-most multi-assist games in franchise history. He’s grown into one of the NHL’s best defensemen, and his impact on Vancouver is clear. He’s a true leader who is constantly shaping the team’s future – for the better.

Related: NHL Trade Talk Daily News: Oilers & Canucks Players of the Day