Marc-André Fleury is set to return to where his career took off — although it will be for a single evening. The Pittsburgh Penguins shared the news that the three-time Stanley Cup victor has agreed to a professional tryout agreement and will participate in the team’s Sept. 27 exhibition matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena. Fleury, aged 40, is also scheduled to participate in the team’s practice session the day prior.
“The Penguins organization as a whole feels honored to have Marc-Andre Fleury returning to the rink in Pittsburgh,” conveyed Penguins GM Kyle Dubas in a released statement. “Over the past year, we’ve all seen the degree to which Marc is admired and respected within the sport of hockey, and this appreciation extends far beyond his accomplishments and professional journey. Marc holds immense significance for our team, our fanbase, and the City of Pittsburgh due to the individual he is and the model he embodies. The Penguins believe that he and his family truly merit this chance to commemorate this concluding chapter back where everything commenced, surrounded by the unwavering support of the black and gold faithful.”
Fleury officially retired this past spring following the 2024-25 season, marking the end of a 22-year NHL career encompassing four different teams. Nevertheless, his heritage is indelibly linked to Pittsburgh. Selected as the top overall pick by the Penguins in 2003, the Sorel, Quebec, product dedicated his initial 13 seasons to the organization, playing a vital role in their championship victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
By the time he transitioned to the Vegas Golden Knights through the 2017 expansion draft, Fleury had achieved almost every significant goaltending milestone in the team’s chronicles, including the highest number of games played (691), wins (375), and shutouts (44). Looking at the entire league, his 575 career wins place him second in the historical rankings, trailing only Martin Brodeur. In addition, he secured the 2021 Vezina Trophy while with Vegas, further solidifying his credentials as a future Hall of Famer.
Fleury continued his career with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild. Over his journey, he participated in 1,051 regular-season games, registering 76 shutouts and accumulating 15 seasons with a minimum of 20 wins.
Even though this tryout is symbolic rather than a genuine comeback, the evening will present Penguins supporters with a final opportunity to pay tribute to one of the most exceptional players in the team’s history — and one of the most enduring goaltenders the NHL has ever witnessed.
