Marc-Andre Fleury’s retirement might already be over

Over the weekend, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury just completed a ceremonial try-out and preseason game with the Penguins in Pittsburgh, where he won three Stanley Cups. While he joked after the contest that he was tired and that his hip was sore, some insiders are adamant that the 40-year-old netminder will come out of retirement later this season to join a contender.

““He looks like a guy who might be able to help an NHL team. Is this the end? I don’t think it’s the end yet,” said Frank Seravalli, adding:

“ Is this the end? I don’t think it’s the end yet; I have zero doubt…teams will be calling; I have to think one of the teams would be the Edmonton Oilers.”

The insider made the bold statement just before Edmonton claimed off netminder Connor Ingram from waivers on Wednesday, but he may be on to something.

Chris Johnston also believed Flower will return to the NHL as the calendar for 2025-26 unfolds.

“There will be more teams knocking on his door as the season goes along especially maybe if injuries or other situations creep in, there’s not a lot of…options out there.”

When Fleury was about to suit up for his preseason game in Pittsburgh, another insider Pierre LeBrun had hinted at teams trying to lure him out of retirement.

“So I will just say this: I believe teams will try to convince Fleury out of retirement in January. I don’t know what he will say, but I am telling you teams will call, 100 percent.”

Fleury isn’t coming off the best of performances with his last two seasons seeing him record a goals against average of just under 3.00 (2.98 and 2.93 respectively) and a save percentage under .900 (.895 and .899 respectively). In spite of this it seems that teams around the league would still welcome his veteran leadership and overall positive attitude in a backup role. He would be a cheap add and he would have a chance at one last Stanley Cup run with a contender, thoufgh until the season gets underway and suitors make themselves known, we probably have seen the last of Flower.

During the summer, Fleury’s own agent Allan Walsh had revealed that five teams in the NHL had reached out to him in order to convince his client to come out of retirement. Fleury spent 13 seasons with the Penguins before spending time with the Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild. He helped the Penguins win three Stanley Cups and is one of the best goaltenders in NHL history. Fleury retired following the 2024-25 season after 21 NHL seasons.