Marc-André Fleury, born on November 28, 1984, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL entry draft, Fleury's career spanned multiple teams, each marked by unique and memorable jerseys.
Fleury played junior ice hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, beginning in 2000-01.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2003-2017)
After being chosen first overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Fleury joined the team in 2003-04. He spent 13 seasons with the team, winning Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
Fleury started the 2007-08 season slowly, then won four straight games before suffering a high-ankle sprain against the Calgary Flames on December 6. He returned as a starter on March 2, after a brief conditioning stint in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. While sidelined, he decided to change the colour of his goaltending equipment from the bright yellow that had become his signature to plain white, to gain an optical advantage over shooters.
Upon his return from injury, Fleury helped the Penguins win the Atlantic Division, going 10-2-1 with a 1.45 goals against average en route to a 12-2 playoff run to the 2008 Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings. In game 5 of the Final at Detroit, he stopped 55 of 58 shots in a triple overtime win for the Penguins to stave off elimination.
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Fleury's attempt to cover an unseen loose puck by sitting on it in game 6 resulted in him propelling the puck into the net; the own goal turned out to be the Stanley Cup-winner, credited to Henrik Zetterberg.
Fleury signed a seven-year $35 million deal with the Penguins.
During his tenure with the Penguins, Fleury wore the iconic black and gold jersey, symbolizing the team's rich history and his integral role in their success.
Marc-André Fleury Greatest NHL Saves Of All Time
Playoff Run
- En route to the 2008 Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings, he went 10-2-1 with a 1.45 goals against average.
- Penguins sweep 'Canes to go to Stanley Cup finals.
- Penguins beat Capitals in Game 7; advance to East Final.
- Penguins beat Preds 2-0 for Stanley Cup.
Vegas Golden Knights (2017-2021)
After being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft, Fleury reached the Final again in 2018, and received the William M. Jennings Trophy and the Vezina Trophy in 2021. On this unforgettable evening, the Vegas Golden Knights officially unveiled their inaugural roster. Fleury stepped onto the stage in this very jersey, marking the first time he ever wore Vegas colors in public.
The pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season saw Fleury have a bounce back from a mediocre 2019-20 campaign. At the age of 36, Fleury recorded a career-best 1.98 goals against average and a .928 save percentage, helping the Golden Knights to their third final four appearance in four seasons.
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Fleury misplayed the puck behind his net, coughing up the puck to Josh Anderson, who tied the game with 1:55 left in regulation time and later scored the overtime winner to give the Canadiens a 2-1 series lead. As a result, Lehner started in net for the Golden Knights in game 4, which they won in overtime to even the series at 2.
Fleury returned in game 5, but the Golden Knights lost 4-1 and the Canadiens took a 3-2 series lead, so Lehner played in game 6 which the Canadiens won in overtime to eliminate the Golden Knights and advance to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
At the end of the season, Fleury was named to the Second All-Star Team, and awarded his first Vezina Trophy and first William M.
With the Golden Knights, Fleury donned the striking gold and black jersey, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of the team's surprising success in their inaugural season.
Chicago Blackhawks (2021-2022)
With the Blackhawks struggling and pivoting into a team rebuild, the possibility of trading Fleury became a subject of intense speculation in the leadup to the 2022 trade deadline, given his elite reputation and the impending expiration of his contract. Any such trade was complicated by a gentlemen's agreement that former Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman had made with Fleury in convincing him not to retire, wherein he would not be traded without his consent. New general manager Kyle Davidson stated that he intended to honour that arrangement.
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Fleury said "If I move, I would love a chance to win. That's what I play for, and that's what I love."
During his brief stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, Fleury wore the classic red, black, and white jersey, adding his name to the long list of legendary players who have represented the team.
Minnesota Wild (2022-2024)
Fleury recorded a 9-2-0 record with a .910 save percentage in 11 regular season games with the Wild. The team's other goaltender, Cam Talbot, had gone 8-0-3 with a .925 save percentage since Fleury's arrival, as a result of which there was debate as to who the team would choose to start the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the St.
Fleury joined the Minnesota Wild, sporting their green and red jersey. This marked another chapter in his career, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game's most respected goaltenders.
International Career
Internationally, Fleury has represented Canada junior team twice, winning back-to-back silver medals at the World Junior Championships in 2003 and 2004. He won a gold medal with Canada senior team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Following his retirement from the NHL at the end of the 2024-25 season, Fleury announced that he would join Team Canada for the 2025 World Championship.
Career Statistics
| Team | Years | Stanley Cups | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) | 2000-2003 | 0 | Mike Bossy Trophy (2003), Telus Cup (2003) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 2003-2017 | 3 (2009, 2016, 2017) | Multiple playoff appearances, face of the franchise |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 2017-2021 | 0 | William M. Jennings Trophy (2021), Vezina Trophy (2021) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2021-2022 | 0 | Traded to Minnesota Wild |
| Minnesota Wild | 2022-2024 | 0 | Playoff Contender |
| Team Canada | 2003-2025 | 1 Olympic Gold Medal (2010) | Two-time World Junior Silver Medalist |