Just when you thought the NHL’s offseason drama was settling down, a familiar name is making the rounds in the rumor mill, and it’s one that should get every hockey fan talking. According to a speculative piece by Allan Mitchell at The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers could be contemplating a move that feels straight out of a Hollywood script: luring Marc-Andre Fleury out of retirement.
Let’s be clear: this is a Hail Mary of epic proportions. Fleury has hung up the pads. His agent, the well-connected Allan Walsh, confirmed that five teams came calling on July 1 to gauge his interest in a comeback, and the answer was a firm no. But here’s where my insider analysis comes in.
The fact that this is even being discussed points to a larger truth about the Oilers’ current situation. They are in pure, unadulterated “win-now” mode. After a heartbreaking loss in the Stanley Cup Final where goaltending was, at times, a significant question mark, GM Stan Bowman knows the clock is ticking on the McDavid-Draisaitl era. The UFA and trade markets for goalies have all but dried up, leaving Edmonton with few, if any, clear upgrades over Stuart Skinner. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and making one last pitch to a future Hall of Famer certainly qualifies.
Why Are These Fleury Rumors Persisting?
The logic, however thin, is understandable. As we get closer to training camp in September, does the competitive fire in Fleury’s belly start to burn again? Does the chance to backstop one of the most dynamic offenses in league history for one final shot at a championship become too tempting to ignore? It’s the ultimate “what if” scenario.
From my perspective, this remains a significant long shot. At 40 years old and with 21 grueling NHL seasons under his belt, Fleury has earned his retirement. He knows his best days are behind him and seems ready for the next chapter. While the romantic idea of “Flower” riding in to save the day in Edmonton is a fantastic story, the reality is much more grounded. The Oilers are likely exploring every conceivable avenue, even those that seem closed. The Marc-Andre Fleury rumors are less about a probable signing and more of a fascinating look into the mindset of a franchise that is agonizingly close to the ultimate prize and willing to dream big to get there.
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