Marc Andre Fleury on his way out of Minnesota? insider reports major news
Debates about the changes that the Toronto Maple Leafs must make to their lineup ahead of the trade deadline are currently heating up.
Some believe the team needs more offensive depth, others think the problem is at the blue line, and many more are under the impression that Leafs GM Brad Treliving must focus on the team's goaltending unit, where the real problem lies.
The insider Pierre LeBrun talked about the situation in a recent paper published in The Athletic. In an interesting development, he linked the goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to the Maple Leafs.
According to LeBrun, the Leafs tried to trade for Fleury two years ago, when Kyle Dubas was the general manager, and they could be tempted to try again. However, many things must be factored in.
The Wild are still a top team with playoff aspirations. Bill Guerin, the GM, said that if they fall out of it, he'll listen to calls for Fleury and have a serious discussion with the goalie. LeBrun also said that Fleury will need to have another conversation with Allan Walsh, his agent. With Fleury's full no-trade clause, the Wild can't do anything unless Fleury lifts it.
Finally, he talked about the fact that other teams will be interested in Fleury, such as the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers. The Leafs would have to make the better offer in order to get him.
Read LeBrun's full statement:
"Fleury has to have that discussion with his agent Allan Walsh in the next couple weeks. They have a full no-move (clause). It's up to Walsh and Fleury, if he goes anywhere before the deadline. But there are some obvious teams to think about. Toronto tried to trade for him two years ago... but the Leafs still have question marks in goal. Edmonton, how about a mentor for Stuart Skinner? New Jersey, they haven't had saves all year. Carolina, how about a mentor to (Pyotr) Kotchetkov? So, there are some obvious places where Marc-Andre Fleury would fit, if he has a meaningful role. He's not gonna waive if he doesn't play. We'll see where this goes.
- Pierre LeBrun
Fleury, even at 39 years old, has been great this season for the Wild and he continues to show that he can still compete against the best. Fleury has an 8-9-3 record, a 2.97 goals-against average, and a .897 save percentage, even if he was relegated as Filip Gustavsson's backup for most of the season.
While his numbers aren't the bests around the League, Fleury's experience would be interesting for any Stanley Cup aspiring team.
His motivation to win another Stanley Cup could propel him and his teammates to leave it all on the ice.
Do you think Fleury will be traded before the deadline?
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