Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault has never hidden his admiration for Marc-André Fleury, one of the most accomplished goalies in NHL history.
While Fleury is possibly considering ending his career after this season, Montembeault expressed, without saying it openly, what would be an ultimate dream for him: sharing the ice with his idol for one last year in Montreal.
“I grew up watching Marc-André play. He is a true inspiration to me, both professionally and personally”declared Montembeault.
There is only one opportunity left for Montembeault to face Fleury this season, January 30 at the Bell Centre.
Fleury, currently with the Minnesota Wild, has only played a few games this season, giving way to young Filip Gustavsson. (who will be in uniform tomorrow against CH in Minnesota).
It is clear that Fleury will be the one in uniform on January 30 in Montreal for what could be Fleuy’s last game in Quebec.
If Fleury decides to retire at the end of the campaign, this meeting could be the last chance for Montembeault to share the ice with him.
The Canadiens’ general manager, Kent Hughes, is aware of the positive influence that a veteran like Fleury could have on the team’s young goalies.
With the emergence of talents like Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler, the presence of an experienced mentor could ease their transition to the NHL, giving Dobes one more year in Laval next season, while it is clear that Cayden Primeau will leave Montreal.
“We are constantly evaluating ways to improve our team, both for the present and the future”mentioned Hughes at the meeting of the DGs.
The addition of a goalkeeper of the caliber of Marc-André, who has a wealth of experience and natural leadership, would be beneficial for the CH…if Fleury decides to postpone his retirement for a year to play in front of his team once last year.
For his part, Marc-André Fleury suggested that he was perhaps not yet ready to hang up his pads.
“Retirement scares me”he confided in an interview.
This statement fuels speculation that he could be open to the idea of playing one final season, possibly with the Canadian.
“You never know what can happen in life, but I’m pretty determined. This should be the last time”
We clearly feel that Fleury remains hopeful that Kent Hughes will approach him this summer.
If this union were to materialize, it would mark a significant moment for Quebec hockey. Two goalkeepers from the province defending the Canadian colors would recall the time when Quebec was a goldmine of talent at this position.
It would be fantastic for the fans and for the next generation of hockey in Quebec.
A Montembeault-Fleury duo could inspire a new generation.
The decision now falls to Kent Hughes, who will have to weigh the pros and cons of adding a veteran like Fleury to his lineup next season.
Because it is clear that the CEO is capable of convincing Fleury to postpone his retirement.
With Cayden Primeau departing and young prospects developing, Fleury’s experience could provide valuable stability.
A Montembeault-Fleury duo in the NHL and a Fowler-Dobes duo in Laval to prepare the duo of the future would be simply perfect.
One thing is certain, Samuel Montembeault is crossing his fingers for the chance to play with his idol.
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