The story of marc andre fleury is one that hockey fans across the world know well. From his early days as a teenage prodigy drafted first overall to his final emotional farewell in Pittsburgh, Fleury’s career has been defined by triumph, resilience, and a unique bond with the fans who supported him.
On September 27, 2025, that journey reached its closing chapter. The Pittsburgh Penguins brought him back for one last appearance, giving him a chance to say goodbye in the very arena where his career began more than 20 years ago. It wasn’t just another game on the schedule — it was a celebration of an era.
The Farewell in Pittsburgh
The Penguins signed Fleury to a professional tryout contract, not with the intention of making him a regular-season player again, but to allow him to step onto the ice for a final time in Pittsburgh.
The moment he skated onto the ice, the arena shook with applause. Fans stood as one, chanting his name in unison, holding signs that said “Thank You Fleury” and wearing jerseys that spanned every era of his career. It felt less like a preseason matchup and more like a festival honoring one of the game’s most beloved figures.
Fleury played one period, facing eight shots and stopping them all. He didn’t allow a goal — a poetic ending that perfectly captured his career-long ability to rise to the moment. As he skated off, waving to the crowd with tears in his eyes, fans knew they were witnessing something they would never forget.
Career Achievements That Set Him Apart
The numbers behind Fleury’s career cement his status as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.
- 575 wins — second-most all-time among NHL goalies
- Three-time Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, 2017) with the Pittsburgh Penguins
- Vezina Trophy winner in 2021 as the NHL’s top goaltender
- 1,000+ NHL games played, with over 65,000 minutes in net
- 500th career win achieved while with the Chicago Blackhawks
- Face of an expansion team with the Vegas Golden Knights, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season
But statistics only tell part of the story. Fleury’s career was as much about personality and resilience as it was about wins and saves.
Early Days: The Pressure of Being Number One
When the Penguins selected marc andre fleury first overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, expectations were sky-high. Goalies rarely go first overall, and with Pittsburgh struggling at the time, Fleury was seen as a cornerstone for the future.
The early years weren’t always easy. Young goalies often need time to develop, and Fleury faced tough criticism when results didn’t come immediately. But what stood out was his resilience. He grew stronger with each setback, learning to handle the pressure of being a franchise cornerstone. By 2009, his perseverance paid off, as he made one of the most iconic saves in Stanley Cup history, diving across the crease in the final seconds to secure Pittsburgh’s first championship in nearly two decades.
Building a Dynasty with the Penguins
Fleury’s career with the Penguins spanned more than a decade, and during that time, the team became one of the NHL’s most consistent contenders. Alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, he was part of the core that transformed Pittsburgh into a dynasty.
- In 2009, he delivered clutch performances to carry the team past the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings.
- In 2016 and 2017, although he eventually shared duties with Matt Murray, Fleury played pivotal roles in the playoff runs, keeping the Penguins alive in critical games.
Fans will never forget the saves, the glove flashes, and his ability to bounce back after difficult losses. He embodied determination and team-first mentality.
Vegas and the Vezina
In 2017, the Penguins left Fleury unprotected in the expansion draft, and he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights. For many players, leaving the team where they became stars might have been deflating. For Fleury, it was a new challenge.
In Vegas, he became the heart of a brand-new franchise. His charisma, leadership, and world-class goaltending turned the Golden Knights into an instant contender. In their very first season, he led them to the Stanley Cup Final, a storybook run that captured the imagination of the entire league.
In 2021, he earned the Vezina Trophy, recognition as the NHL’s best goaltender — proof that even in the later stages of his career, he was still at the top of his game.
Final Years in Minnesota
Fleury’s career concluded with the Minnesota Wild, where he split time between starting and mentoring younger goaltenders. Even as age caught up with him, his presence in the locker room was invaluable. He reached his final major milestone — his 575th career win — with the Wild, cementing his place as the second-winningest goalie of all time.
His last official NHL game came in April 2025. But it was his September farewell in Pittsburgh that gave fans and the hockey world closure.
More Than Numbers: The Person Behind the Mask
What made marc andre fleury stand out wasn’t just his saves or his championships. It was his personality. Known as the ultimate teammate, he was always smiling, joking, and lifting the spirits of those around him.
- Locker room leader: Younger players consistently said Fleury made them feel welcome and supported.
- Fan favorite: His lighthearted personality, combined with clutch performances, made him one of the league’s most popular figures.
- Resilient competitor: Whether after a tough loss or being benched during a playoff run, Fleury never complained. He responded by working harder.
He showed that greatness isn’t only about statistics; it’s about how you carry yourself in victory and defeat.
The Fans’ Emotional Goodbye
The farewell game in Pittsburgh was as much about the fans as it was about Fleury. Families came to see him one last time, children wore jerseys twice their size, and lifelong season-ticket holders shed tears as they applauded.
For many, it was a reminder of the moments he gave them:
- The championship save in 2009
- The overtime stops in playoff thrillers
- His unforgettable performance in Vegas’s miracle run
- The constant joy he brought to the ice
It was more than hockey — it was about the bond between a player and the community that grew up with him.
What Comes Next for Fleury
Now retired, Fleury has several paths ahead.
- Hockey Hall of Fame: His induction is a certainty, with his name likely to be enshrined in the coming years.
- Jersey retirement in Pittsburgh: The Penguins are expected to honor him by raising his number to the rafters.
- Coaching or mentorship: With his experience, he could easily guide the next generation of goalies.
- Broadcasting or media: His charisma and humor make him a natural fit for television or league ambassador roles.
Whatever he chooses, hockey fans can be sure his presence won’t fade.
Why His Legacy Matters
Marc Andre Fleury’s story is about more than championships. It’s about resilience, loyalty, and joy. He showed that even under the weight of expectations, you can persevere. He showed that kindness and humility can coexist with competitiveness. And he showed that fans never forget the players who give them everything.
In every city he played, from Pittsburgh to Vegas to Minnesota, Fleury left a mark. His farewell in Pittsburgh wasn’t just the end of a career — it was the celebration of a legacy that will inspire future generations.
Final Thoughts
The story of marc andre fleury is the story of a true hockey legend. His career spanned two decades, brought championships to Pittsburgh, gave life to an expansion team in Vegas, and ended with respect across the entire league.
As he steps away from the crease, he leaves behind memories that fans will carry forever. His farewell in Pittsburgh was not just a goodbye; it was a thank-you — from the fans to him, and from him to the sport he loved.
What’s your favorite Fleury moment? The Cup-winning save? The miracle run in Vegas? Or simply his ever-present smile? Share your thoughts below as we celebrate the career of one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders.