Canadian goalie Marc-André Fleury addresses NHL teams’ offers to return

Beloved goaltender Marc-André Fleury retired at the end of last season but has received recent offers from NHL teams hoping to lure him back. Speaking Monday on TVA Sports’ JiC in French, Fleury admitted that turning down the calls wasn’t always easy.

“Even just one call is more than I expected. It’s not always easy to say no,” he said.

When asked which teams had reached out to his agent, Allan Walsh, Fleury was careful: “I’d rather not answer that question. Out of respect for the teams and their goalies.”

Still, some opportunities caught his interest. “Honestly, I toyed with the idea a little,” he admitted. “I miss it. I’d be lying if I said everything about retirement is easy and perfect.

The feeling of playing hockey, being part of a team, having a shared goal, winning games—that’s not something you find in everyday life. Of course I miss that a lot.” Fleury also acknowledged that staying close to his family played a role in his decision-making.

Over his career, Fleury played 1,051 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild, winning three Stanley Cups.

His achievements virtually guarantee him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The legendary goalie certainly deserves a well-earned break.