MAJOR: Marc-Andre Fleury On His Way to His Final NHL Team?
The Minnesota Wild will have some tough decisions ahead of them this year. Due to the team's inconsistent play, it is unclear whether or not they will make the playoffs. As a result, the team could be sellers at the trade deadline. One NHL insider recently revealed one legendary player who could be moved one more time.
Lebrun Reveals Minnesota Wild Could Consider Trading Fleury
One of the team's most valuable potential trade assets is future Hall of Fame goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. The 38-year-old has been a bit inconsistent this year like the rest of the team, but he has had moments of brilliance showing that he can still be a top notch goaltender. Earlier this season he surpassed Patrick Roy for 2nd all-time in wins by an NHL goaltender.
Now NHL insider Pierre Lebrun has revealed that the legendary goalie could be moved at this year's trade deadline, assuming the Wild are out of a playoff spot by then.
"The Wild have not given up on this season. He (Guerin) thinks they can have a second half surge, they still believe they can be a playoff team. But, Guerin acknowledged that if they fall out of it, he expects teams to call and he expects to have a discussion with Marc-Andre Fleury."
Toronto Maple Leafs Among Teams Potentially Interested In Fleury
Lebrun would go on to list a number of teams that could call the Wild about Fleury's availability. Goaltending in the NHL this season has seemingly become feast of famine as several teams have struggled to get adequate support between the pipes. Among them are the Oilers, Devils, and of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"Fleury has to have that discussion with his agent Allan Walsh in the next couple weeks. They have a full no-move (clause). It's up to Walsh and Fleury, if he goes anywhere before the deadline. But there are some obvious teams to think about. Toronto tried to trade for him two years ago... but the Leafs still have question marks in goal. Edmonton, how about a mentor for Stuart Skinner? New Jersey, they haven't had saves all year. Carolina, how about a mentor to (Pyotr) Kotchetkov? So, there are some obvious places where Marc-Andre Fleury would fit, if he has a meaningful role. He's not gonna waive if he doesn't play. We'll see where this goes."
The Leafs are currently running a tandem of Martin Jones and Ilya Samsonov. While Jones has been good in his callup, Samsonov still needs to prove that he is still an NHL level goaltender. His performance overall this season will give Leafs fans little hope in that.
Fleury has been a touch under league average this year with his .897 save percentage and 2.97 goals-against-average. Still though, several teams including the Leafs could do well to add a league average goaltender. We will just have to wait and see where the Wild are at come the trade deadline.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17 | 112 ANSWERS MAJOR: Marc-Andre Fleury On His Way to His Final NHL Team? Do you think the Wild will trade Fleury? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 69.6 % |
| No | 34 | 30.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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