Marc-Andre Fleury Returns to Pittsburgh for an Exhibition Game
Legendary goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is set for an emotional return to the ice, marking the end of his professional hockey career where it all began.
After announcing his official retirement last spring, after a distinguished 21-year career in the NHL, Fleury has signed a professional tryout contract with the Penguins. The agreement will allow him to participate in the team’s exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 27th.
Fleury, 40, was the first overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft by the Penguins. During his first 13 years of his career, he defended Pittsburgh’s goal, playing a crucial role alongside figures like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, with whom he won three Stanley Cups.
After Pittsburgh won its second consecutive championship in 2017, Fleury was selected by Vegas in the expansion draft.
“Marc means a great deal to our team, our fans, and the city of Pittsburgh, for the person he is and the example he sets,” said Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas in a statement. “The Penguins feel that he and his family deserve this opportunity to celebrate this moment of return to where it all began, in front of the faithful black and gold followers.”
Fleury, affectionately known as “Flower”, was always well-liked by his teammates and the fans. He is second in NHL history in wins (575) and won the Vezina Trophy in 2021 playing for Vegas.
His legacy is primarily in Pittsburgh, where he holds almost all of the Penguins’ major goaltending records, including games played (691), wins (375), and shutouts (44).
