In case you missed it Marc-Andre Fleury is back on top in Vegas. And in the NHL...
Last we say MAF he was sitting on the bench in the bubble after "losing his job" to trade deadline acquisition Robin Lehner. It was an odd move by the Knights to abandon their spiritual franchise leader and essentially team captain Fleury. He handled the demotion like a pro, but it left us all with more questions than answers heading into this season after Lehner signed a big money, long term extension in Vegas.
This offseason, Vegas wasn't quiet about their desire to move Fleury either. They talked to Carolina, Edmonton, Minnesota, and even Toronto. The price was crazy high and the trade negotiation tactics were less than perfect leaving teams frustrated with GM McCrimmon and giving up on trying to get Fleury out of pure "unreasonableness" and uncertainty.
Finally, The Knights acted like it was the plan all along to keep both and were happy as could be having one of the best duos in hockey...and with the way this year is playing out having both is indeed a bonus.
But then Lehner got hurt. As Lehners do. As goalies in general do...and Fleury was welcomed back to the starting roll...
And he has seized the day to say the least. All he has done is in 8 games this season he has once again shown his incredible focus and resilience, going 7-1 with a 1.38 with 2 shutouts. Among goalies playing 8 or more games those stats are tops in the NHL.
The Penguins are calling like crazy as they want a few more kicks of the can with this group and right now the easiest way to boost this team back into contention is to bring back a great goalie who has MANY friends still playing in Pittsburgh. Burke LOVES Fleury and publicly questioned the playoff switch to Lehner...often.
The Oilers and Canes still have an interest and are looking hard at Kuemper....but MAF is better.
The Krakken are out there and there are some in Seattle that would love to see MAF repeat what he did with the expansion Knights..
Vegas doesn't have to move Fleury of course, but if they are sold on Lehner THIS is their best opportunity to get a King's ransom. It is quite possible that nothing happens until the off-season, as the owner in Vegas VERY much as Cup fever and Fleury is one hell of a backup plan..
What would you do?
What would you give up for Marc-Andre Fleury?
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