Serious rumblings around Marc-Andre Fleury trade
Bill Guerin is reportedly taking offers and helping Fleury make his decision.
HockeyFeed
According to a report from TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury could be a major factor in the upcoming March 4th NHL trade deadline.
LeBrun reports that Wild GM Bill Guerin is likely to receive some interest on Fleury, who just became the NHL's second all-time wins leader, but that he's not ready to give up on the season just yet. If the Wild continue their slide though and it becomes evident that they won't be in the playoff race come March, well then Fleury could be on the trade block.
From LeBrun:
"The Wild have not given up on this season. He (Guerin) thinks they can have a second half surge, they still believe they can be a playoff team. But, Guerin acknowledged that if they fall out of it, he expects teams to call and he expects to have a discussion with Marc-Andre Fleury."
"Fleury has to have that discussion with his agent Allan Walsh in the next couple weeks. They have a full no-move (clause). It's up to Walsh and Fleury, if he goes anywhere before the deadline. But there are some obvious teams to think about. Toronto tried to trade for him two years ago... but the Leafs still have question marks in goal. Edmonton, how about a mentor for Stuart Skinner? New Jersey, they haven't had saves all year. Carolina, how about a mentor to (Pyotr) Kotchetkov? So, there are some obvious places where Marc-Andre Fleury would fit, if he has a meaningful role. He's not gonna waive if he doesn't play. We'll see where this goes.
- Pierre LeBrun
The 39 year old goaltender has been solid for the Wild this year, in a season where it looked like he would mostly be relegated to backup status behind Filip Gustavsson. Fleury has a 2.97 goals against average and a .897 save percentage in 22 games with the Wild this season.
Frankly, I think he'd be a big pick up for any playoff team looking to solidify themselves in goal. The Hurricanes probably make the most sense on paper, but you just KNOW that the Leafs and the Oilers are going to try to get themselves into the mix should a bidding war break out.
