As goaltender Marc Andre Fleury suits up for what is supposed to be his final unofficial NHL game in preseason action for the Pittsburgh Penguins, it is possible this may not be the final ride after all.
The Penguins brought back the legendary franchise goaltender on a PTO in order to properly send him off in front of the Pens crowd he called home for 13 seasons. Fleury has not started a game for Pittsburgh since the 2017 season. While this is not a regular season game tonight, the atmosphere should be electric as Flower will receive quite an ovation from the fanbase that adored him throughout his career.
This game has been dubbed as the last hurrah for Fleury, but nonetheless such an unprecedented return to action has raised the attention of GM's across the NHL.
What does the future hold for Fleury?
According to insider Pierre LeBrun, he believes teams will attempt to lure Fleury out of retirement in the new year. Goaltending has been a constant topic of conversation; it makes sense that organizations that are desperate enough for an upgrade would have interest in the future hall of famer.
It is unclear how open Fleury would be to this possibility. Would he once again consider putting off retirement and extend his playing career? Fleury has nothing else to prove in this game, but the fan favorite would almost certainly be welcomed back with open arms wherever he goes.
In the meantime as Fleury's NHL career comes to a close tonight, for now, fans will look to give Flower the closing chapter he deserves.