Marc-André Fleury to Tampa Bay: Chris Johnston wonders if it makes sense

Marc-Olivier Cook
Marc-André Fleury to Tampa Bay: Chris Johnston wonders if it makes sense
Credit: Screenshot/Twitter

Marc-André Fleury enjoyed a brilliant career in the National Hockey League.

He won the Stanley Cup three times with the Penguins, he won the Vézina Trophy with the Golden Knights… and he was one of the NHL's best goaltenders for almost 20 years.

Not for nothing was he drafted 1st overall in 2003. And he has performed up to expectations throughout his career.

That said, Fleury retired after last season. He decided to hang up his pads to spend more time with his family, but…

But now we hear his name circulating in certain rumors. Some teams have contacted him, and we're wondering if a return to the game is possible in his case. If so, Chris Johnston(The Athletic) wondered: what if Fleury could go to Tampa Bay to help the Lightning?

The Lightning could use a second experienced goaltender to back up Andrei Vasilevskiy, and it's true that on paper, the idea doesn't sound crazy…

Reminder: Marc-Andre Fleury is 41 years old. I say that… because he can't wait forever to sign a contract by the end of the season.

He must have time to get back into shape, after all. He could do what Justin Williams did in 2020: come to an agreement with a team before the trade deadline… to finish the season in the NHL and help a club make a push for the Stanley Cup.

But where it gets even more logical is when you consider the Lightning's real chances of going all the way.

Fleury won't return to play for a club that doesn't have the talent to win the Cup, we agree… and in Tampa Bay, he'd have what it takes to – at least – give himself a chance of winning a fourth Stanley Cup.

I can't wait to see what happens with him. But he loves the game so much, it seems like it wouldn't surprise me to see him back in the game…


Overtime

– It starts today!

– Logical.

– Oh.

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