What was only a rumor is now circulating insistently: Marc-André Fleury could end his career with the Montreal Canadiens.
An outcome which, on paper, seems almost too good to be true, but which is based on increasingly solid facts.
First of all, the situation in Minnesota is changing. Filip Gustavsson took the reins as number one goaltender, delivering consistent performances and inspiring the confidence of coach John Hynes to the point of being a Vezina Trophy contender.
Behind him, Jesper Wallstedt, considered one of the best goalie prospects in the entire NHL, is ready to make the jump.
At just 21 years old, Wallstedt is seen as a prodigy goaltender for the Wild, like Jacob Fowler in Montreal, and he has demonstrated in the American League that he is ready to take on the challenge.
In this context, Marc-André Fleury finds himself in a delicate position. Although he has accepted a mentoring role with Gustavsson and remains a key influence in the Wild locker room, it is becoming increasingly clear that his role will diminish as Wallstedt rises in importance.
However, Fleury has lost none of his desire to play. He himself said that retirement scared him, that he didn't feel ready to leave hockey.
At 39, he's not ready to hang up his pads. While the NHL seems to be gently pushing him towards the exit, he remains firm: he wants to continue.
In an interview with the Journal de Montréal, he confided with rare vulnerability:
“Retirement scares me. »
These words resonate like a call, an attempt to delay the inevitable. But behind this fear there is also a hope: that of writing a memorable last chapter, perhaps in Montreal, where his heart as a Quebecer would beat stronger than ever.
In Minnesota, the situation is clear: Filip Gustavsson has solidified his role as number one goalie. Behind him, Jesper Wallstedt, 21-year-old prodigy, is knocking on the door of the NHL.
Considered one of the top prospects at the guard position, Wallstedt is ready to make his big league debut.
But for now, general manager Bill Guérin prefers to see him play in the American League, where he can develop his reflexes and his mentality without the pressure of the spotlight.
In this context, Fleury finds himself in an uncomfortable position. Although he is still efficient, his role is reduced.
The Wild's future lies with Gustavsson and Wallstedt, leaving little room for a veteran. A transaction before the end of the season? Unlikely, because Guérin seems to favor the stability and progression of his young prospect in the American league.
But next summer, everything could change.
In Montreal, Kent Hughes faces a headache at the goalkeeper position. Samuel Montembeault has shown that he can be a reliable number one, but he cannot do everything alone.
Behind him, the next generation is promising, but still green. Jakub Dobes, rising star of the Laval Rocket, is pushing for a chance, but giving him a role in the NHL next season carries risks.
Jacob Fowler, Carey Price's heir, should make his professional debut next year, but he will need time to establish himself in Laval.
And Cayden Primeau? He has reached a point of no return in Montreal and will leave the organization this summer.
In this configuration, the addition of a veteran like Marc-André Fleury appears to be an ideal solution. Not only could he support Montembeault on the ice, but he would also play a key role as a mentor for Dobes and Fowler.
His presence would provide an essential transition year to allow young goalkeepers to develop without rushing.
Fleury's recent statements leave little room for doubt: he wants to continue. “Retirement scares me,” he repeated, aware that an opportunity could present itself in Montreal.
He went so far as to admit:
“You never know what can happen in life, but I'm pretty determined. This should be the last time. »
However, even the journalist Jonathan Bernier does not believe it, comparing him with humor to Dominique Michel, famous for having postponed his retirement several times.
Fleury also knows that Kent Hughes tried to lure him to Montreal last year. At the time, he chose to stay in Minnesota, but today the cards are being redistributed.
The path seems clear for Fleury to end his career where it all began: at home, in Quebec.
Although a trade this season seems unlikely due to the Wild's development plans for Wallstedt and the fact that Fleury is good in the room heading into the playoffs, the idea of signing Fleury as a free agent next summer is growing. even more plausible.
This would allow Hughes to solve several problems at once: providing invaluable mentorship to his young goalies, stabilizing the situation in net, and addressing the dire need for a veteran who can handle pressure.
For Fleury, finishing his career in Montreal would have a special meaning. Playing in front of his family, in a city that has always admired him, would be a perfect conclusion to a legendary career.
With three Stanley Cups and thousands of memories engraved in the minds of hockey fans, Fleury could come full circle by offering a memorable final year at the Bell Centre.
Whatever he says, Fleury aspires to prolong his career, and perhaps even write a memorable final chapter.
For his part, the Montreal Canadiens need answers in front of the net. Samuel Montembeault, despite his constant progress, cannot alone carry the burden of rebuilding a team that aspires to better.
Cayden Primeau is reaching the end of his career in Montreal, having never managed to win despite several opportunities.
The arrival of an experienced veteran therefore becomes a priority for Kent Hughes, and Marc-André Fleury could be the ideal solution.
Fleury is not only a legendary goaltender with impressive statistics, he is also a natural leader, a role model for his teammates, and an ambassador for Quebec hockey.
His presence in Montreal would have an impact well beyond the ice. For Samuel Montembeault, having Fleury as a mentor would be an invaluable opportunity.
For young goalkeepers like Dobes and Fowler, it would be an opportunity to draw inspiration from the best while continuing their development in Laval.
But interest in Fleury in Montreal is not limited to a question of technical needs. It is also a story that resonates deeply in the hearts of Quebec fans.
Fleury is the last great heir to an exceptional tradition of Quebec goalkeepers. After Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo, Fleury is the one who extended the lineage, dominating the NHL like his Quebec predecessors.
The scenario of his return to Quebec for a final season has something almost cinematic.
Playing under the lights at the Bell Centre, proudly wearing the Canadian colors, and potentially helping a new generation of goaltenders take off would be a perfect conclusion to an exceptional career.
However, it's not just about emotion. Kent Hughes will also have to consider the financial and logistical aspects of such a decision.
If Hughes can find a way to bring Fleury to Montreal, he could solve several problems in one transaction.
The possibility that Fleury ends his career in Montreal is more than just a dream. The stars seem to be aligning: the Wild are ready for a transition to Gustavsson and Wallstedt, Fleury is not ready to retire, and Montreal needs a leader to stabilize its situation in front of the net.
The idea of Marc-André Fleury in Montreal is no longer just a rumor. It's an increasingly concrete plan, a scenario that could well become reality.
