New sign points to potential Marc-Andre Fleury trade!

Rumours have quickly picked up that if the Minnesota Wild has not secured a playoff spot ahead of the March 8 trade deadline, beloved goalie Marc-Andre Fleury could be on the move. As of now, general manager Bill Guerin remains adamant that Minnesota is still in the mix for a playoff spot and could go on for a run into the postseason, but is aware that teams could come calling for Fleury in the weeks and days prior to March 8.

Frank Seravalli listed Flower as one of his “five pending UFAs who will force tough decisions approaching the deadline”, and offers another sign that points to a potential move by Fleury ahead of the postseason. While he argues that the Wild needs him more than ever this season to ensure a playoff participation, there is a sense that Minnesota will shift focus on the future and hand the crease to Filip Gustavsson and prospect Jesper Wallstedt.

“The Wild are alive in the playoff hunt, but not by much. Seriously. Their odds are down to three percent, and now they’ve lost captain Jared Spurgeon for the season. Fleury just passed Patrick Roy for second all-time in wins. He’s checked every item off his career bucket list. It’s possible he retires after this season, so it would be nice for GM Bill Guerin to give one of the most beloved players in NHL history one last ride on a true contender. More importantly: Fleury is playing well enough to fetch a strong return from a contender desperate for help in net, be it the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils or someone else. It’s time for the Wild to hand the crease to Gustavsson and top prospect Jesper Wallstedt.”

The Hurricanes, Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers have been linked to Fleury in recent rumours. The veteran goalie has yet to decide about his future in the NHL beyond this season, which will also be a huge factor in his decision-making. After all, he holds control with his no-move clause, but certainly would love to add a fourth championship to his resume before hanging up the pads.

Once approached by the Maple Leafs, Fleury had turned down the offer from Toronto, but could take a second look this season and cherish the opportunity to mentor a struggling player like Ilya Samsonov. In Edmonton too, he could be a great mentor to Stuart Skinner and upcoming star prospect Olivier Rodrigue.

The same could be said of the Devils, who are actively looking for an upgrade in net and the Hurricanes, who could have Fleury mentoring Pyotr Kochetkov.

Options are on the table, now let’s see what kind of offers come in and what Fleury and GM Guerin do with them ahead of the trade deadline.

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New sign points to potential Marc-Andre Fleury trade!

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