Fleury hopes to play through at least next season
Marc-Andre Fleury's immediate future is a significant storyline ahead of the NHL trade deadline, but he shed some light on his long-term thinking Wednesday.
"I don't have that much left. So (I'll) enjoy this season and hopefully next season again and then after that, we'll see," the Chicago Blackhawks goaltender said, according to NBC Sports Chicago's Charlie Roumeliotis.
The 37-year-old pending unrestricted free agent would be one of the biggest names available if he consents to being dealt ahead of the frenzy on March 21. Fleury made it clear Wednesday he hasn't decided on his plans in that regard, but he added he'd prefer to play for a contender if it comes to that.
Having some fun with Fleury here on this trade question: “‘If’ I move I would love a chance to win.” pic.twitter.com/z3pngX27pW
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 16, 2022
Fleury was initially reluctant to play for the Blackhawks because he didn't want to move his family to an unfamiliar city and needed time to determine his future after the Vegas Golden Knights traded him in July. But after spending about half a season with his new team, the veteran netminder said he'd be open to re-signing with Chicago.
Marc-Andre Fleury on his desire to come back to the Blackhawks for at least one more season: “I wish we were winning more, I wish we were higher in the playoff race, definitely, but I love my teammates … and the fans have been good, people around town have been good to me.” pic.twitter.com/KMuZeDkRKC
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 16, 2022
Fleury is in the final season of a three-year contract he signed with the Golden Knights. It was reported Tuesday that Vegas had shown interest in a reunion, but Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon denied that shortly thereafter.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion puck-stopper has a modified no-trade clause allowing him to submit a list of 10 teams to which he can't be dealt, according to CapFriendly.
Fleury is 16-17-3 with a .910 save percentage for a Blackhawks squad that entered Wednesday's action sitting second-last in the Central Division.