Oilers linked to Marc-Andre Fleury following latest NHL comeback update
There is new chatter around Marc-Andre Fleury making a possible NHL comeback this season, and the Oilers have been linked to the future Hall of Famer.
While the connection between the Edmonton Oilers and Marc-Andre Fleury might appear unusual, the circumstances behind the team's goaltender situation are bringing them to consider options that are not necessarily conventional ones.
Already amidst a struggle to secure a playoff spot in the West, the Oilers cannot afford to make mistakes in their net.
What is leading the Oilers to once again scour the goalie market
The team hoped to solve their goalie problems by trading for Tristan Jarry, but his injury is again presenting the same problems the team was looking to solve.
Calvin Pickard and Connor Ingram have been called upon to fill the gaps, but the performance has been inconsistent, and Edmonton is again in search of consistent play in a crucial portion of the season.
Recently, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has reported that several teams have quietly inquired with Fleury to determine if he might be willing to make an appearance on an NHL roster for the remainder of the year.
"Probably not surprising but hearing that some teams have checked in on Marc-Andre Fleury to see if there's any chance at all he would consider playing again."
- Pierre LeBrun
- Pierre LeBrun
This sort of activity should be no surprise due to the thin market that inevitably develops from time to time at the goaltender position.
Back in the fall, Edmonton was rumored to have expressed some interest in Fleury, so they could perhaps circle back.
"In the fall it was reported that one of the teams that was thinking about Fleury was the Oilers. I wonder if they're among the teams now."
- NHL Rumour Report
- NHL Rumour Report
Why adding Marc-Andre Fleury would start a ripple effect in Edmonton
This would start a ripple effect by adding Fleury. Either Pickard or Ingram would have to go down, but waivers are always a risk in this situation because there are not many goalies in the league.
However, if the save percentages do not improve into the .900 mark, this risk would be taken in Edmonton by GM Stan Bowman.
Fleury has stayed retired on paper, but he still laces up his skates in Minnesota and practices in order to keep himself in game shape.
For someone like Marc-Andre Fleury, as long as the right opportunity comes along, the door does not seem completely shut.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 23 | 100 ANSWERS Oilers linked to Marc-Andre Fleury following latest NHL comeback update Should the Oilers pursue Marc-Andre Fleury? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 61 % |
| No | 39 | 39 % |
| List of polls | ||