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Stunning update on Marc-Andre Fleury comeback revealed, insider names Oilers as best fit
Top NHL insider Frank Seravalli has put the chance at 70% that Marc-Andre Fleury will return to hockey, and named the Oilers as the best fit.
The Oilers have been connected to Fleury going back to last offseason, despite the fact that he played out his retirement year. Insiders have reported the Oilers and other NHL teams have stayed in close contact with Fleury, and there are some signs he may come out of retirement.
Edmonton Oilers heavily connected to Marc-Andre Fleury, insider updates chance of coming out of retirement
During a segment on today's edition of the Kevin Karius show, Seravalli put a 70% chance on Fleury making an NHL comeback this season, and named the Oilers as the clear best fit.
There's been a lot of talk about Alex Lyon, but I have to think that one name that the Edmonton Oilers are thinking about today - is Marc-Andre Fleury.
Another hour and a half on ice last week with Minnesota Wild scratches. He played in that preseason game with the Pittsburgh Penguins. I think he's got the itch to keep playing.
If he's going to come back, it's going to be with a team that has an authentic chance to win. That's got the Oilers written all over it. 70-30, yes.
- Frank Seravalli
Another hour and a half on ice last week with Minnesota Wild scratches. He played in that preseason game with the Pittsburgh Penguins. I think he's got the itch to keep playing.
If he's going to come back, it's going to be with a team that has an authentic chance to win. That's got the Oilers written all over it. 70-30, yes.
- Frank Seravalli
Insider Pierre LeBrun also confirmed that teams have been showing interest in Fleury.
When the Oilers still had Stuart Skinner, getting Marc-Andre Fleury as a veteran backup and mentor made sense - when he was still actually playing in the NHL.
While it would be a great story, and the Oilers are still in need of an upgrade m at the backup position, Fleury just isn't the practical solution.
Now 41 years old and without playing any NHL hockey this season, Fleury can't be trusted as a viable playoff backup option in case the starter goes down with injury. He only played 26 games last year, posting a .899 save percentage.
Edmonton would be much better off letting Pickard and Ingram battle to prove themselves as a backup goalie, or trading for one that's played NHL games this year. It's a must-win season, and they can't afford gambles on goalies coming out of retirement.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 719 ANSWERS Stunning update on Marc-Andre Fleury comeback revealed, insider names Oilers as best fit Do you think the Oilers should sign Fleury if he comes out of retirement? | ||
| Yes | 392 | 54.5 % |
| No | 327 | 45.5 % |
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