A split-screen view of veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. On the left, he is pictured in his Vegas Golden Knights gear, while the right side depicts a mock-up of him in an Edmonton Oilers uniform amid rumors of a potential return to the NHL.
Just when we thought the “Flower” had officially wilted, the NHL rumor mill has delivered a massive holiday surprise. It is December 25, 2025, and despite retiring after a ceremonial appearance in September, Marc-Andre Fleury is reportedly fielding calls from contenders desperate for goaltending help.
TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun confirmed what many talked about: teams are “kicking the tires” on the 41-year-old legend. Why? Because the playoff race is heating up, injuries are mounting, and there is no better insurance policy in hockey history than Fleury. He isn’t coming back for a paycheck; he’s reportedly only listening for one reason—a fourth Stanley Cup ring. If he signs, the landscape of the Western Conference shifts immediately.
Let’s be real for a second—this isn’t just a standard rumor. This is about one of the most beloved figures in hockey history potentially coming off the couch to save a contender’s season.
As an analyst looking at the goaltending market right now, the logic is undeniable. You have teams with championship rosters being held hostage by inconsistent or injured goaltending. Fleury, even at 41, brings a stabilizing presence that you simply cannot trade for mid-season without giving up massive assets. He costs nothing but cap space and a roster spot.
Why The Edmonton Oilers Make the Most Sense
According to Frank Seravalli, the noise around Edmonton is loudest, with a reported “70/30” chance of this happening.
From my perspective, the script writes itself. The Oilers are in absolute “win-now” mode. They tried to fix their net by trading for Fleury’s old Pittsburgh tandem partner, Tristan Jarry, on December 12. But with Jarry landing on IR almost immediately and Stuart Skinner battling consistency issues, the Oilers are exposed.
Bringing in Fleury does two things: it gives them a battle-tested starter while Jarry heals, and it provides the ultimate mentor for Skinner. Fleury knows the pressure of a Cup run better than anyone. Imagine Fleury lifting the Cup with McDavid? That is the story of the decade.
The Emotional Return: Vegas Golden Knights
We cannot ignore the narrative in Vegas. The Golden Knights are reportedly “wrecked with injuries” in the crease. Fleury is the face of that franchise’s inception. While the breakup was messy years ago, time heals all wounds—especially when a roster is this good. If Carter Hart and Akira Schmid can’t stay healthy, Vegas management has never been shy about making the splashy, star-studded move.
The Dark Horses: Carolina and Colorado
Don’t sleep on the Hurricanes. They are a perennial contender that always seems to have a goaltending “question mark” come April. With Frederik Andersen battling the injury bug again, Fleury fits their system perfectly. Similarly, the Avalanche have stabilized with Mackenzie Blackwood, but do they trust Scott Wedgewood? GM Chris MacFarland knows Fleury is a low-risk, high-reward asset.
My Take: Fleury isn’t going to sign with a bubble team. He doesn’t need the stats. He needs the parade. If I had to place a bet today, I’m looking at Edmonton. The desperation matches the opportunity.
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