40 Facts About Marc Andre Fleury

Early Life and Junior Hockey

Marc-André Fleury's journey to becoming one of the NHL's most celebrated goaltenders began in his hometown of Sorel, Quebec, Canada.

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   Early Beginnings: Fleury started playing ice hockey at a young age. He played in the 1998 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the College-Français Rive-Sud minor ice hockey team from South Shore, Montreal.

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   Junior Hockey: Fleury played junior ice hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, beginning in 2000–01. He was a standout player, earning the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league's top prospect and the Telus Cup as the top defensive player in 2003.

NHL Draft and Early Career

Fleury's talent quickly caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to a significant milestone in his career.

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   Drafted First Overall: In the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Fleury was chosen first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This made him only the third goalie to be chosen first overall in the NHL draft, after Michel Plasse and Rick DiPietro.

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   NHL Debut: Fleury made his NHL debut in 2003–04 at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest goaltender in the league at that time. He appeared in his first NHL game on October 10, 2003, against the Los Angeles Kings, recording an impressive 46-save performance.

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   Rookie of the Month: In October 2003, Fleury earned Rookie of the Month honors with a 2–2–2 record, 1.96 goals against average (GAA), and a .943 save percentage. This early success set the tone for his promising career.

International Success

Fleury's skills were not limited to the NHL; he also made significant contributions on the international stage.

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   Silver Medalist: In 2003 and 2004, Fleury represented Canada at the World Junior Championships, winning back-to-back silver medals. He was named Top Goaltender and tournament MVP in 2003.

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   Olympic Gold: At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Fleury was part of the gold-winning ice hockey team for Canada, although he did not see any playing time during the tournament.

Stanley Cup Championships

Fleury's time with the Pittsburgh Penguins was marked by multiple Stanley Cup victories.

8. 08Stanley Cup Champion: Fleury won his first Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. He would go on to win two more championships with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Individual Accolades

Throughout his career, Fleury has received numerous individual awards and set several records.

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   Vezina and Jennings Trophies: In 2021, Fleury received the Vezina Trophy and the William M. Jennings Trophy, recognizing his outstanding goaltending performance that season.

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    500th Win: On December 9, 2021, Fleury became the third goaltender in NHL history to reach 500 wins, achieving this milestone with a shutout against the Montreal Canadiens.

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    First Goaltender to Beat All 32 Teams: On January 8, 2022, Fleury became the first goaltender in NHL history to beat all 32 teams in a win against the Vegas Golden Knights.

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    1,000th Game: On December 31, 2023, Fleury played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming just the fourth goaltender to reach this mark.

Career Milestones

Fleury's career is filled with significant milestones that highlight his longevity and skill.

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    Career Records: Fleury is the third goaltender to reach 500 victories and the fourth goaltender to play 1,000 games in the NHL, following Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, and Roberto Luongo.

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    Golden Knights Era: Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft. During his time with the Golden Knights, he became the second youngest goaltender to record his 400th win and led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season.

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    Best GAA and Save Percentage: In the 2018–19 season, Fleury led the NHL in wins (27) and shutouts (6) while maintaining a best career goals-against average and save percentage to date.

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    NHL All-Star Appearances: Fleury has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game multiple times, including a second consecutive appearance with the Golden Knights in 2019.

Trades and Team Changes

Fleury's career has seen several significant team changes, each marking a new chapter in his journey.

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    Trade to Blackhawks: On July 27, 2021, Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks from the Golden Knights. This trade made him the first goaltender since Dominik Hašek to be traded as the defending Vezina Trophy winner.

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    500th Win Celebration: Fleury's 500th win was celebrated with a shutout against the Montreal Canadiens, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

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    First Goaltender to Beat All 32 Teams: Fleury achieved this feat by beating the Vegas Golden Knights on January 8, 2022, showcasing his exceptional skill and adaptability.

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    1,000th Game Celebration: The milestone of 1,000 games played was celebrated with a special ceremony, highlighting Fleury's enduring presence in the NHL.

Career Stats and Playoff Performances

Fleury's stats and playoff performances are a testament to his skill and consistency.

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    Career Stats: As of the end of the 2023–24 season, Fleury has compiled an impressive record of 552 wins, 1,000 games played, and numerous other accolades.

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    Playoff Performances: Fleury has been instrumental in several playoff runs, including helping the Penguins win three Stanley Cups and leading the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season.

Challenges and Comebacks

Fleury's career has not been without its challenges, but his ability to overcome them is what sets him apart.

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    Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the 2015–16 season, Fleury suffered a season-ending concussion. Despite this setback, he made a remarkable recovery and continued to play at an elite level.

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    Golden Knights' Success: During his tenure with the Golden Knights, Fleury was a key factor in their success. He led the team to multiple playoff appearances and set new records for goaltenders.

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    Trade Controversy: The trade from the Golden Knights to the Blackhawks was met with controversy, as Fleury and his agent Allan Walsh claimed they were not notified about the trade until it was announced on Twitter.

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    Blackhawks' Struggles: The Blackhawks faced significant struggles during Fleury's first season with the team, leading to the firing of coach Jeremy Colliton. Despite these challenges, Fleury continued to perform well.

Recent Developments

Even in the later stages of his career, Fleury continues to make headlines with his decisions and performances.

27. 27Extension with Wild: On July 7, 2022, Fleury opted to forgo free agency and signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. This move was seen as a strategic decision to maintain stability and continue competing at a high level.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Fleury's impact extends beyond the ice, as he has taken on leadership roles and contributed to his community.

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    Leadership Role: Throughout his career, Fleury has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. He has been a mentor to younger goaltenders and has inspired numerous players with his dedication and work ethic.

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    Community Involvement: Off the ice, Fleury is known for his community involvement. He has participated in various charity events and has been an advocate for several causes, including children's health initiatives and environmental conservation.

Personal Life and Interests

Fleury's personality and interests off the ice add another layer to his story.

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    Personal Life: Fleury is known by the nickname "Flower," derived from the French translation of his last name (fleuri means "in bloom" or "in flower"). He lists Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy as his hockey idols and enjoys French pancakes, poutine, Nickelback music, and Jim Carrey movies.

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    Favorite Sport: Besides hockey, Fleury's favorite sport is football. This diverse interest reflects his broad range of passions and hobbies outside of professional hockey.

Legacy and Impact

Fleury's legacy in hockey is undeniable, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

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    Drafted by Pittsburgh: Fleury was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, first overall, in the 2003 Entry Draft. This selection marked a significant moment in his career, setting him on the path to becoming one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.

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    Olympic Highlights: At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Fleury was part of the gold-winning ice hockey team for Canada, although he did not see any playing time during the tournament. His contributions to the team were invaluable, as he provided support and experience to the roster.

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    World Junior Championships: In 2003 and 2004, Fleury represented Canada at the World Junior Championships, winning back-to-back silver medals. He was named Top Goaltender and tournament MVP in 2003, showcasing his exceptional skills at a young age.

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    Golden Knights' First Season: During the Golden Knights' inaugural season, Fleury became the second youngest goaltender to record his 400th win and led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals. This achievement cemented his status as one of the top goaltenders in the league.

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    Best Career Stats: In the 2018–19 season, Fleury led the NHL in wins (27) and shutouts (6) while maintaining a best career goals-against average and save percentage to date. This performance solidified his position as one of the best goaltenders in recent NHL history.

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    Trade to Blackhawks: The trade from the Golden Knights to the Blackhawks was a significant move in Fleury's career. Despite initial controversy, he continued to perform well with the Blackhawks, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience.

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    500th Win Celebration: Fleury's 500th win was celebrated with a shutout against the Montreal Canadiens. This milestone marked a significant achievement in his career, highlighting his longevity and consistency as a top-tier goaltender.

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    1,000th Game Celebration: The milestone of 1,000 games played was celebrated with a special ceremony. This achievement underscores Fleury's enduring presence in the NHL and his commitment to the sport he loves.

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    Legacy in Hockey: Marc-André Fleury's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He has inspired countless young goaltenders with his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to the sport. His contributions to hockey will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Fleury's Lasting Impact on Hockey

Marc-André Fleury's career is a testament to dedication and excellence in hockey. From his early days in the QMJHL to becoming a three-time Stanley Cup champion, Fleury's journey is nothing short of remarkable. His achievements, like winning the Vezina Trophy, reaching 500 wins, and playing 1,000 NHL games, highlight his skill and resilience. Fleury's time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild showcases his adaptability and leadership. Off the ice, he's known for his community involvement and mentorship to younger players. Fleury's legacy isn't just about stats and records; it's about inspiring future generations of goaltenders. His story reminds us that hard work, perseverance, and passion can lead to greatness. As he continues to play, Fleury remains a beloved figure in the hockey world, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.