Between the Pipes: Marc-André Fleury—A First-Ballot Hockey Hall of Famer
Flower: A Career That Touched Hearts and Changed the Game
When Marc-André Fleury left the ice for the final time in Spring 2025, fans knew it wasn’t just another retirement—it was the end of something truly special. Marc-André Fleury didn’t just win games. He made people care. About their teams, their cities, and about the game itself. He wasn’t just one of the greatest goalies to ever play the position—he was one of the most loved. From dazzling saves to his grinning, glove-tapping charm, Fleury built a career that went beyond wins, highlights, records, and championships. His retirement isn’t just a milestone. It’s the end of a chapter that helped define an era in the storied history of the NHL.
Cool Fact: Marc-André Fleury is one of five goalies to earn an NHL win at the age of 18.
From Kid to King: The Rise of a No. 1 Pick
When the Pittsburgh Penguins drafted Fleury first overall in 2003, it raised some eyebrows. Goalies rarely go that early in the draft. But Fleury didn’t waste time justifying the pick. He arrived in the NHL with elite reflexes, freakish athleticism, and the poise required to succeed in hockey’s best league. Over 13 seasons in Pittsburgh, “Flower” helped turn the team into a championship-level team, with three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017) and countless clutch moments. Fleury wasn’t flawless—and that’s why fans connected with him. He rebounded from tough losses and miscues, and he came back stronger, every single time.
Vegas Bound: A New Chapter, A New Legend
After Pittsburgh moved on, many figured Fleury’s best years were behind him. Instead, he helped write one of the most unlikely stories in NHL history. Claimed by the Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft, Fleury didn’t just give Vegas credibility—he helped give the new organization an identity. He led them to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final in their first season. And just when it seemed like he might slow down, he won the 2021 Vezina Trophy. “Flower” didn’t fade—he evolved.
By the Numbers: A Record Book Icon
Marc-André Fleury’s NHL resume speaks for itself:
575 Wins
1,051 Games Played
76 Shutouts
3 Stanley Cups
1 Vezina Trophy (2021)
1 William M. Jennings Trophy (2021)
Only a handful of goalies have reached 1,000 NHL games. Remarkably, “Flower” did it while maintaining a .912 save percentage and a 2.60 goals-against average—numbers that speak to his consistency over two decades.
Fleury: A First-Ballot Hockey Hall of Famer
Marc-André Fleury’s legacy is about more than numbers. It’s about joy. He played with it, he shared it, and he made others feel it. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest goalies to ever play the position—from jaw-dropping saves to postgame hugs, Fleury made the game feel bigger, brighter, and enjoyable. Undoubtedly, his Hockey Hall of Fame induction is simply just a matter of time. And when that day comes, don’t expect polite applause. Expect roaring cheers from Pittsburgh, Vegas, Chicago, Minnesota, and all across Canada—and from every fan who smiled when Marc-André Fleury did.