Fleury never really in play ahead of deadline, says Pens' Rutherford
It was, in the end, all talk.
The NHL's trade deadline is in the books, and Marc-Andre Fleury is still a member of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. And considering Ben Bishop was the only goalie moved during a busy two-week stretch - and to a stealth buyer in Los Angeles - Fleury's status shouldn't really come as a surprise.
Jim Rutherford said Fleury was never really in play today. "He's a big part of this team"
— Paul Hollingsworth (@PaulHReporter1) March 2, 2017
Signed through 2018-19 at $5.75 million - and with Matt Murray inked through 2019-20 at $3.75 million - Fleury's future will be a major topic of conversation once the season ends, as preparations for the expansion draft begin in earnest.
Here's what we know: Murray's the goalie of the future in Pittsburgh, the No. 1. But Fleury's going to play a big role down the stretch, as the Pens are set for 16 games over the next 31 days, including two back-to-backs (there's another one in April).
And who knows what will happen during the playoffs. But the Penguins can sleep a little easier at night, knowing they've got two guys who've backstopped the team to a Cup.
Fleury will be unprotected in the expansion draft, or dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights beforehand. In other words, enjoy these final few months, Pens fans. It's been real.