Two goalies have started playoff games for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, none of whom are named Marc-Andre Fleury.
Jeff Zatkoff was called upon early when he was the only healthy goalie on the roster, but Matt Murray has since taken over the starting gig - perhaps for good.
But general manager Jim Rutherford doesn't see the Penguins permanently moving on from Fleury anytime soon.
When asked whether Fleury was done with the organization, Rutherford flat out responded, "absolutely not."
"You can never have enough good goalies," Rutherford explained at a press conference Thursday. "The Penguins have three good ones now. I feel bad for Fleury. He’s such a great team guy and we’re fortunate that he is. He’s handled
this situation like a pro. First class. He’s ready to go when called on."
Fleury has been with the club since being drafted first overall in 2003, and he backstopped the club to a Stanley Cup win in 2009. He's recovered from a concussion that kept him out early on and is able to serve as Murray's backup, but head coach Mike Sullivan is sticking with the rookie, who has the look of a bona fide No. 1 goalie.
In terms of cap commitment, the Penguins owe Fleury an average of $5.75 million through to the end of 2018-19, while Murray will make $625,000 next season before hitting restricted free agent status.
Throw in the fact several clubs will be looking to add quality goaltending in the offseason and the possibility of an expansion draft in the not too distant future, and Fleury's long-term future with the Penguins may not be as absolute as Rutherford is currently letting on.
For now, he's a high-paid cheerleader who could be thrust into the fire at a moment's notice should Murray falter or succumb to injury.
