The goalkeeper trading market is so limited that some NHL teams have only recently started making trades related to goalies. Retired goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has expressed appreciation for the interest but states he intends to stay retired. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Fleury said, “I received some calls and took time to consider them. I’m honored that teams thought of me this way, but I stopped playing for a reason. I believe I’m better off on the sidelines.”
Fleury plans to officially retire in 2025 after a 21-season career, during which he won three Stanley Cups, earned the Vezina Trophy, and recorded the second-highest number of regular-season wins in NHL history with 575. Since playing with the Minnesota Wild, he has represented Canada at the World Championship and even played in a preseason game and shootout against Pittsburgh, but he’s now focusing on life beyond professional hockey.
While he enjoys having more leisure time, Fleury admits he sometimes misses the game. “I miss the players, I miss the games. I miss the team effort and the feeling of winning,” he shared.
Despite stepping away from playing, Fleury keeps busy—coaching his 6-year-old son, playing tennis, driving race cars, trying out boxing, and skiing (something he can’t do under an NHL contract). He’s also involved in partnership with Kraft Hockeyville, which delivers preseason NHL games to smaller communities and supports rink upgrades. Recently, Fleury has even been seen wearing goalie pads, as reported by his agent Alan Walsh.
He intends to watch as NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014. Fleury favors Canada to win, though he recognizes strong teams from the U.S. and Sweden. “It should be fantastic hockey,” he said, “with many talented teams and players. Tournaments are unpredictable—just one game can lead to surprising results.”
Fleury also watched the goaltending duel between Sergei Bobrovsky of Florida and Alex Nedeljkovic of San Jose for the first time since 2020. “It’s funny and kind of amazing—you know, because none of us got hurt, but seeing two goalies fight is unusual, given all the equipment. It’s pretty entertaining,” he noted.
In 2023, Fleury nearly had a shot at playing again, especially after a skirmish with Jordan Binnington of St. Louis—though he was held back. “I have nothing against Jordan,” Fleury said. “Since I was young, I always wanted to play in the NHL, score a goal, and feel that thrill. I came very close to doing both, but it just didn’t happen.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marc-Andre Fleury interested but not interested in comeback.
Fan Take: Fleury’s reflections reveal the deep love and respect he has for the game, reminding fans of the passion that fuels hockey legends. His ongoing involvement in the sport and interest in events like the Olympics highlight how hockey continues to resonate beyond just the rink, inspiring future generations.
