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Penguins will not extend Marc-Andre Fleury before the season

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports

Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury enters the last year of his contract facing an uncertain future, which might not involve Pittsburgh. 

"I'm not in a hurry to do a contract with him," Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford told the Tribune-Review Monday.

Since signing a seven-year, $35-million contract in 2008, and winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, Fleury faced ample criticism for his inconsistent play in goal. 

However, his save percentage was actually slightly better last season than during Pittsburgh's Cup-winning campaign, as was Fleury's regular season record (39-18).

Agent Alan Walsh said the decision to refrain from an extension is what both sides want with Fleury set to become a free agent next summer.

"We're actually on the same page. It's of no consequence at all," Walsh said.

Although it may seem like Rutherford is ready to let Fleury walk, he also said he is "one of the most talented goalies in the league" and believes he will be around for the long haul.

"From my point of view, he's our goalie. There's no reason why he can't be our goalie for a long time," Rutherford said. "I told him to keep doing this summer whatever he did last summer. He had a really good year."

Rutherford, appointed general manager in June, is certainly looking at the bigger picture, choosing to wait and see what Fleury has left in the tank before the organization makes another long-term commitment.

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