Ex-Pens GM Jim Rutherford tried bringing back Marc-Andre Fleury last offseason

Speaking with The Athletic's Josh Yohe recently, former Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford confirmed rumours that he tried to trade for Marc-Andre Fleury this past offseason.

Fleury, 36, was heavily involved in trade rumors this past offseason after the Golden Knights not only traded for goaltender Robin Lehner but also rewarded him with a lengthy five-year extension.

«That's one of the reasons we decided to buy out Jack Johnson,» Rutherford said. «I was trying to clear money for Marc.»

Rutherford even went on to admit he broke an unwritten rule of an NHL GM and contacted the Golden Knights about Fleury while they were still competing in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

«I did what I never do and will never do again if I work again,» Rutherford said. «I called a general manager (Kelly McCrimmon) during their playoff series (against Dallas). I said, 'If you're moving Marc, you make sure you call me. I want him.»

While Rutherford said the talks never got too serious given the difficulties in acquiring Fleury due to his $7 million cap hit, he was very much interested in bringing him back to Pittsburgh.

«I was serious. Very serious,» he said. «Very willing to give a lot to get him, too. What I think is a lot and what the other team thinks is a lot may be two different things. I wasn't looking at it as them giving him away, I was certainly willing to pay the price to get him back. I tried.»

Having Fleury would certainly be a welcomed addition for the Pens this season, as he is putting together a Vezina Trophy like season with a 1.77 goals against average (GAA) along with a .936 save percentage (SV). The Penguins current starting goalie in Tristan Jarry, on the other hand, is struggling somewhat this season with a 2.89 GAA and a .906 SV%. It is too bad this deal wouldn't have worked out, as seeing Fleury back in Pittsburgh would have been quite special. For the Golden Knights however, you can be certain they are glad they held on to him.

shownhl_1305_shownhl

MUST READ

12 minutes ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Metropolitan Team Acquires Young First-Round Pick From the Nashville Predators

30 minutes ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Former Sharks Defenseman Doug Murray Shares Incredible Story About Joe Thornton's Generosity

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Shocking Turn of Events in New York: Former 50-Goal Scorer Placed on the Trade Block

2 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Longtime NHL Referee Mike Hasenfratz Tragically Passes Away at the Age of 58

3 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch NHL Hopeful Colin Brown Critically Injured in St. Louis Shooting: Community Rallies

6 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Don Cherry Brutally Calls Out Darnell Nurse for Actions Leading to Ryan Reaves' Suspension

7 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Columbus Blue Jackets Linked in Trade to 75-Point Scorer by NHL Writer

19 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

MORE STORIES