Marc-Andre Fleury unsure of his future
Marc-Andre Fleury has been the center of trade talks these last couple weeks as the Chicago Blackhawks continue to fall in the standings. Currently sitting 12 points out the last wild card spot the Blackhawks will obviously be sellers at the trade deadline, and the biggest piece they can move is the former Vezina Trophy and Stanley Cup winning goaltender. The biggest question mark though isn't who would want Fleury's services, but if he would even go?
When Fleury was traded this summer from Vegas to Chicago, he contemplated retirement because he and his family were comfortable in Vegas and Fleury was also questioning his drive to play for another team. Going from a cup contender to a team going through a transition is always tough for a player to swallow. Eventually Fleury thought it through and embraced playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, but now there are reports again that his team is trying to trade him.
During media availability Marc-Andre Fleury was asked about the possibility of being traded and said «If I move, I'd love the chance to win. That's what I play for and that's what I love.» He also acknowledged that the trade deadline is a long way away, over a month, March 21st.
It's also telling that Fleury said he'd like to play next year as well, which shows his want to win and compete, even when he'll be 38 years old. This is the last year of Fleury's contract at a $7 million cap hit, which is a hard number for any team to swallow. If Fleury were to be traded, Chicago would have to retain some salary I'd assume. Fleury also has a modified no trade clause where he can submit a 10 team no trade list, my guess is those would be 10 non-playoff teams.
Being traded is also hard on your family, Fleury has a wife and 3 children, 2 of which are school aged. If he was traded would his family go with him or stay in Chicago? Do you pull your kids out of school halfway through and transfer or stay until the end? If they didn't go with him how mentally tough would that be on the goaltender being away from his family during a playoff run?
There are a lot of moving parts, and whether Fleury is traded this season or not it may be his last. He still wants to compete but it has to be on a contending team. If he's not traded this year to a contender, he'll look for one this summer, and if he can't find one this summer, it could be his last.
