For the Pittsburgh Penguins, their September 27 preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets carries profound weight. It will mark the last curtain call for franchise legend Marc-Andre Fleury, as the goalie takes the crease one last time in the black and gold he made famous.
However, while the fans are excited that the goaltender is back for one last game in Pittsburgh, many still want to see more of Fleury. The latest update from an insider might be the news the Penguins were waiting for.
Insider Reveals Teams Still Trying to Lure Marc-André Fleury Out of Retirement
For 13 seasons, Fleury remained a cornerstone player on the Penguins’ roster, helping the franchise capture three Stanley Cups between 2009 and 2017. During that dominant era, he established himself as the team’s all-time winningest goaltender while cementing his legacy in Pittsburgh hockey history.
So when Fleury had to leave the team in 2017 after being selected by Vegas in the expansion draft, all of Pittsburgh was heartbroken. But that disappointment turned to excitement when GM Kyle Dubas announced earlier this month that the franchise icon had signed a PTO with the team.
The home game against the Blue Jackets will mark one last time for ‘Flower’ to stand between the pipes in black and gold. However, while the Penguins’ fans are buzzing over this farewell, many of them want more of Fleury. And one insider believes it just might happen.
In his latest tweet, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun revealed that he believes that there is still a chance that teams can persuade Fleury to remain in the NHL. He mentioned, “So I will just say this: I believe teams will try to convince Fleury out of retirement in January.”
LeBrun continued, “I don’t know what he will say, but I am telling you teams will call, 100 percent.” LeBrun believes that once the roster freeze lifts after December, teams across the league will try to convince Fleury to come out of retirement.
In the training clip shared by the Penguins’ official X account, Fleury looked to be in excellent shape. The footage showed the goalie in his familiar yellow pads displaying sharp reflexes while stopping shots from all angles with vintage form.
The player could be seen having a great time with his former teammates on the familiar ice of PPG Paints Arena. However, despite his seemingly good form, Fleury has already made it clear that this preseason game will be the last one he ever plays.
But fans remain convinced a comeback is still possible. Recent social media activity from Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, has only fueled that speculation. In response to LeBrun’s prediction about teams pursuing the goalie, Walsh replied with just two emojis: “👀”
While it might be vague, the emoji response has given Penguins fans renewed optimism about Fleury’s future.
