Guerin: Too early to open Fleury trade discussions
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin believes it's premature to begin gauging the trade market for veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Guerin said Tuesday that the Wild aren't ready to "wave the white flag" on their disappointing season, but he understands Fleury will be a player of interest around the league if Minnesota doesn't surge up the standings soon.
"I think 'Flower' just wants to focus on his team right now and his play," Guerin told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "We'll see how it goes and then we'll have the appropriate conversations.
"It's just too early for that, and I'm not ready, and I'm sure 'Flower' isn't ready, to have that conversation, either."
Fleury is on an expiring contract and has a full no-trade clause. He'll likely require a prominent role on a contending team to accept a move, LeBrun notes.
The Wild acquired Fleury from the Chicago Blackhawks prior to the 2022 trade deadline. The three-time Stanley Cup champion posted a .905 save percentage in 79 appearances with the club, but he's struggled with a .897 clip and minus-4.2 goals saved above average in 2023-24.
However, Fleury does own a lifetime .911 playoff save percentage throughout his 20-year career.
The Wild are currently eight points back of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference through 43 games.