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Multiple NHL insiders confirm traction on Fleury comeback and Oilers signing
Photo credit: Aaron Doster - USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers were heavily connected to signing Marc-Andre Fleury this offseason despite his official retirement, and there's still a strong chance of him making a comeback.
Insider Frank Seravalli reported yesterday that there's a 70% chance that Fleury could resurface for an NHL comeback, with the Oilers named the clear best fit. Now, more insiders are confirming the reports.
Multiple NHL insiders confirm noise around Fleury comeback with Oilers as top suitor
After Seravalli's initial report yesterday, more insiders have confirmed interest from NHL teams on Fleury's comeback.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN also confirmed the reports, and took it a step further by naming the Oilers as the leading candidates to sign him.
Not only would the Oilers give Fleury a real shot at another Stanley Cup, but he has existing rapport with Tristan Jarry and would serve as a great mentor figure in the locker room.
Signing Fleury as a veteran backup would have made sense in the latter years of his career, but adding him now makes very little sense for the Oilers. In a win-now year, they can't afford a roster spot on a big risk like a player coming out of retirement.
The Oilers would be better off to give this time without Jarry to Ingram and Pickard, allowing them to battle and prove if they should stay on the roster. If no viable backup emerges, the Oilers should make another trade to improve the goaltending.
Fleury making an NHL comeback would be an incredible hockey story, but the Oilers can't be caught up in that. The sole goal needs to be winning a Stanley Cup, and signing a 41 year old Fleury is too big of a risk.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 23 | 770 ANSWERS Multiple NHL insiders confirm traction on Fleury comeback and Oilers signing Do you think the Oilers should actually sign Marc Andre Fleury? | ||
| Yes | 379 | 49.2 % |
| No | 391 | 50.8 % |
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