Marc-Andre Fleury’s Future Up In The Air, Minnesota Hopes He Returns

By Jordan Long

The Minnesota Wild’s season ended in game 6 of the first-round against the St. Louis Blues by the final score of 5-1.  With the loss, the Wild are into the offseason.  They would like goaltenders Cam Talbot and Marc-Andre Fleury back next season.

                Talbot was the number one goaltender for the Wild this past season.  In the regular season, Talbot’s record was 32-12-4 with a goals against average of 2.77 and a save percentage of .911.  He saw the puck well and was able to cover it up.  This didn’t allow rebound chances.  Talbot even had 3 shutouts.  In the postseason he only appeared in game 6 when Talbot tried to save the Wild’s season.  Unfortunately, he didn’t play well allowing 4 goals on 26 shots. 

                Fleury, on the other hand, started the year with the Chicago Blackhawks.  There his record was 19-21 with a  goals against average of 2.95 and a save percentage of .908.  Chicago decided to trade Fleury to Minnesota on March 21st.  The Blackhawks were trying to give Fleury the best chance to win the Cup.

                In Minnesota, Fleury played in 11 regular season games.  His record ended at 9-2 with a goals against average of 2.74 and a save percentage of .910.  In the playoff series loss to the Blues, Fleury appeared in the first 5 games.  He was 2-3 with a goals against average of 3.04 and a save percentage of .906.

                According to ESPN, Minnesota Wild’s General Manager Bill Guerin said, “There’s no controversy. There’s no drama. We like both goalies. We like both people. We want them both back, and we think we can be successful with both of them.”

                Talbot is the only goaltender coming back.  He is under contract for one more year.  His cap hit is around $3.66 million.  If Fleury doesn’t come back, Talbot will be the number one goaltender for the team.

                Fleury, on the other hand, must decide if he wants to keep playing. Fleury is going to be 38 on November 28^th which is getting up there in age for a goaltender.  He is also a free agent.   

 Fleury knows he will be in the Hockey Hall of Fame at some point. He has won 520 games at the NHL level, ranking 3^rd in NHL history, only Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur have won more games.  Fleury has also lifted the Cup 3 times. There is nothing left for him to play for.  It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him walk away.  If that is the case,  Minnesota will look for a backup goaltender to replace him.