Marc-Andre Fleury is ready to treat his final season in the NHL as business as usual
Marc-Andre Fleury doesn't want any part of a farewell four for his final season in the NHL.
Three-time Stanley Cup champion and sure-fire future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury is embarking on his 21st season in the NHL which will be his final one. The 39-year-old, signed a one-year, $2.5M extension with the Minnesota Wild in April, letting it be known that this would be his last season playing in the NHL.
Fleury deserves all his flowers for what he has been able to accomplish since being selected 1st overall in 2003 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This isn't what Fleury wants during his last season, he isn't looking for any special treatment from other teams.
General Manager Bill Guerin echoed Fleury's sentiment, saying it's business as usual in Minnesota as the franchise looks to get back into the playoffs after missing last season for the first time in five years.
"I've been asked that question 20 times already...We don't want frickin' video replays and video tributes and things like that. Like, let's just play the games. Of course, if they do it in Pittsburgh, then that makes sense. In Vegas, in Montreal - that makes sense. And if they do it, great, nice, but that's not what we're all about. We're going to work."
Fleury has been a fan favourite whenever he played with his infectious personality and entertaining style between the pipes. The Wild visit the Penguins on October 29th, which should be a guaranteed tribute night for Fleury. He spent the bulk of his career with the Penguins and won his three Stanley Cups with the franchise.
| POLL | ||
Does the Minnesota Wild make the playoffs? | ||
| Yes, they are getting in for Fleury's final season | 47 | 43.5 % |
| No, they are one of the weaker teams in the West | 61 | 56.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
