Before the 2024-25 National Hockey League (NHL) season, legendary and future Hockey Hall of Fame netminder Marc Andre-Fleury let it be known he would be hanging up his skates at the end of the year. This caused many Edmonton Oilers fans to cross him off their 'armchair GM' rosters for the summer.
However, since the conclusion of this past season there have been many rumours that teams were trying to convince Fleury to hold off his retirement. He even signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the team that drafted him, the Pittsburgh Penguins playing his final game of hockey in the National Hockey League -- a preseason contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets last week. Or so we thought.
Now, there are reports from multiple NHL insiders that claim he may be able to be convinced to come out of retirement and sign a Standard Player Contract (SPC). The Oilers are of course expected to be heavily interested if the possibility should arise.
Even with the recent acquisition of goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth, 'Flower' would be another great insurance marker for a team like the Oilers who just cannot seem to get over the hump.
Fleury and his Stanley Cup Playoffs experience
The 40 year old netminder has plenty of deep playoff experience and a stocked trophy case with three Stanley Cup rings and a Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender. In total, he has played 170 playoff games with a 92-75 record and a 2.56 Goals Against Average (GAA) and .911 save percentage.
Although admittedly, much of his career stats are skewed by his earlier years as he has not surpassed a .900 save percentage in the past two playoff runs with the Minnesota Wild. Despite this, he may be a good player to acquire should the need arise, he has been to the Stanley Cup Finals five times throughout his NHL career.
Even in a backup type of role, Fleury's experience in the postseason and specifically in deep Stanley Cup runs, could make him an attractive option for the Oilers. He will not need to take over the starter's net but if he can be around the team as a backup or depth option between the pipes, he could double as a mentor.
Is Fleury worth the cost?
Although there has been no real reports surrounding what his salary expectations are, it would have to be low if the Oilers are going to make it happen, somewhere hovering around league minimum salary ($775,000).
He is known to be a big prankster and being able to have a player like him around the team to loosen up the others could be what they need. He also comes with experience having played in key moments himself, while also having been a backup during key moments. Should he get the chance, his experience would be priceless.