Fleury, the ultimate teammate, performs the ultimate gesture

Marc-Andre Fleury is a Stanley Cup champion once again. And this team, he earned it. When Fleury and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup last year in San Jose, the goaltender barely touched the award, deferring to teammates during the celebration. When he did get his turn with hockey’s ultimate prize, he looked hesitant and embarrassed. Having played only two postseason games, you could tell Fleury didn’t feel worthy.

Last night however, there was no doubting the fact that the 32 year old had earned it this time around. Considered a Conn Smythe candidate earlier in the playoffs, Fleury was instrumental in the Penguins defeating both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals in the first two rounds of the playoffs. When starter Matt Murray returned from injury however, head coach Mike Sullivan used his first opportunity to insert Murray into the lineup and never looked back. It’s a decision that’s hard to argue now given the results, but it’s a decision that generated a lot of criticism at the time.

In any case, both Fleury and Murray are Stanley Cup champions again, and this time they were both able to share in the celebrations. In fact, Fleury, the ultimate teammates, had the ultimate gesture and show of respects for his fellow goalie. Check it out:

How perfect is that? One Penguins legend literally passing the torch to another. Murray was emotional with reporters when describing the moment afterwards, “when he handed me the Cup there, that meant a lot to me. He's been such a mentor for me, last year and this year."

With the NHL Expansion Draft now looming large, Fleury’s future has never been more uncertain in Pittsburgh. It’s clear that the team will move forward with Murray as their goaltender, but what this means for the veteran Fleury is still unknown. At 32 years-old he’s proven himself capable of a starting position in the NHL and several teams could use his services, so it’s likely that he’ll be moved via trade sometime in the next week.