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Rutherford: Fleury will start season with Penguins

Dave Reginek / National Hockey League / Getty

Marc-Andre Fleury's safe for the summer.

Jim Rutherford told Sportsnet's John Shannon on Saturday at the NHL draft that the goaltender will start the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The veteran Fleury was usurped by rookie upstart Matt Murray for the club's title run after suffering his second concussion of the season in late March.

In the time since lifting his second Stanley Cup, the former No. 1 overall draft selection was linked to Calgary, but, after apparently exploring that option, Flames GM Brad Treliving has since supplemented his crease with Brian Elliott.

The only other team truly in the market for a No. 1 goaltender was the Toronto Maple Leafs, who jumped at the opportunity to land Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks.

Though it appears he'll return, the impending expansion draft will continue to cast Fleury's future with the Penguins in doubt. With a full no-movement clause in his contract, Pittsburgh must rescue him - not Murray - when the time comes for teams to submit their protected rosters.

In keeping Fleury, the organization will be afforded more time to appropriately evaluate Murray, who has just 13 regular-season starts to his credit.

Rutherford also told the NHL Network that Evgeni Malkin won't be dealt either.

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