Marc-André Fleury might not be done with hockey just yet. At 39, the future Hall of Fame goalie is technically retired, but NHL insiders think he could make a comeback if the right opportunity comes along.
Two teams keep coming up in these conversations: the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens.
Mike Rupp and Devan Dubnyk, both former NHL players turned analysts, discussed Fleury’s potential return on NHL Network this week. They’re convinced he’d jump at the right opportunity – but there’s a catch.
“He’s not coming back to be anyone’s backup,” Rupp insisted.
The Edmonton Oilers might be the most interesting possibility. They’re supposed to be Stanley Cup contenders, but their goaltending situation isn’t exactly rock solid.
Sure, they picked up Tristan Jarry, but that hasn’t completely solved their problems.
“Jarry’s an upgrade, but they’re still in the same spot,” Dubnyk explained. “And it’s really showing now while he’s hurt.”
What makes Fleury such an intriguing option for Edmonton isn’t just his skill – it’s his personality. He’s the kind of player teammates love to battle for, something the Oilers haven’t always had between the pipes.
The Montreal Canadiens could be another landing spot. For a Quebec native like Fleury, the chance to wear the iconic Habs jersey might be pretty tempting.
But one thing’s crystal clear: if Fleury comes back, it’ll be to chase another Stanley Cup, not just to fill a roster spot.
The phone might start ringing mid-season. And if it’s the right team calling? Don’t be shocked if Fleury straps on the pads one more time.
