A Full Circle Moment: Marc-André Fleury's Return to Pittsburgh

On September 12th, the Penguins broke the internet and stirred a wave of nostalgia among Pittsburgh fans and hockey fans everywhere by announcing their newest PTO signee: Marc-Andre Fleury. The franchise legend is set to return to the ice on September 26th for practice, before playing in parts of the September 27th preseason game. You won't want to miss the chance to step back in time as Fleury reunites with longtime friends and teammates Letang, Malkin, and Crosby. For fans who grew up watching the core four light up the ice in Pittsburgh, this feels like the ultimate reboot—with the original cast right back where they belong.

The core four at Fleury's final game in PPG. Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins' X account.

A PTO is a professional tryout agreement between a team and players who are free agents. The short-term contract allows players to participate in training camp or preseason games without the team having to guarantee them a roster spot. Teams will also use PTOs to add a veteran presence to preseason games as they assess their team's performance. For Fleury, this contract will give him one last chance to wear a Penguins jersey and play with his old friends. The legendary goalie has made it clear that he does not want this to be seen as him retiring with the Penguins. "I don't like to say that I'm retiring as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, I don't want to disrespect the Minnesota Wild," Fleury expressed in an interview with the NHL. "I played my last game with them. I signed my last contract with them. They did a lot for me." While honoring his final chapter with Minnesota, Fleury will lace up his skates once more as a Pittsburgh Penguin—for a practice, a morning skate, and a preseason game—which he describes as "a wink to the past.'"

While Fleury humbly describes his return, the past he's pointing to represents a legendary career that left its mark on every team he played for. Whether that was through his unforgettable saves or his endless stream of pranks, Marc's influence stretched far beyond the crease. His professional career began in 2003, when he was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins—making him the third goaltender in NHL history to be selected with the top pick.

Marc-Andre Fleury at his NHL draft in 2003. Courtesy of Elsa/Getty Images. Photo obtained from Pensburgh.

Fleury went on to play with the Penguins for thirteen unforgettable seasons. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, he claimed nearly every major goaltending record for the franchise, including 691 games played, 375 wins, and 44 shutouts. He continued to leave a lasting mark on the franchise by leading the team with a 2.58 goals-against average, and his .912 save percentage ranks second. Fleury's dominance carried into the playoffs, where he backstopped his team through 115 games and helped capture three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017).

As the 2017 Cup run came to completion, fans dreaded the inevitable: The Vegas Golden Knights expansion draft. Marc was the 29th pick of the 30-player draft, forcing Pittsburgh to say goodbye to their beloved goalie. Despite the bittersweet circumstances, Fleury found success with the Knights, and in 2021, he won the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league's best goaltender.

Fleury and family with the Vezina trophy. Courtesy of Marylene Fleury. Photo obtained from the NY Times.

After four seasons in Las Vegas, Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played just 45 games before being moved again to the Minnesota Wild. It was here that his remarkable career would come to a close. After 22 seasons spanning from 2003-2025 and 1,051 regular seaosn games, Fleury hung up the skates. His storied legacy includes 15 20-win seasons, 9 30-win seasons, and two 40-win seasons. Affectionately known as "Flower", the goalie is beloved by fans and players across the league, and the 2024-2025 season served as a retirement tour where he was celebrated at every arena he visited.

Alex Ovechkin leading his team to pay respect to Fleury. Courtesy of SPORTSNET/YouTube

Statistics and trophies only tell half the story, as Fleury's legacy was just as memorable off the ice. A legend in the locker room, he kept things lively with his playful personality and his infamous pranks. No one was safe from his mischief and even the ever-focused Sidney Crosby fell victim to Fleury's infectious fun. Keeping things light was never simple with Fleury—endlessly resourceful, his antics ranged from shaving-cream facials, to hanging clothes in the rafters, and even moving a teammates entire hotel room into the hallway. As he got older, he only grew more creative. In April of 2024, Brandon Duhaime, a forward for the Colorado Avalanche, made the mistake of getting into a prank war with Fleury. It proved to be a fatal miscalculation when he walked out of practice to this sight:

Brandon Duhaime and his car amidst prank war with Fleury. Courtesy of Minnesota Wild/Colorado Avalanche. Photo obtained from the NHL.

This elaborate and unforgettable prank was a classic Fleury moment. Just as with his on-ice career, his off-ice personality created stories that fans will be sharing for years to come. When you think of Marc-Andre Fleury, the joy he brought to the game is paramount to the saves he made. His lasting impression extends beyond the fans to all of the players in the league. This year, Fleury suited up for Team Canada one last time at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. While there, Adam Fantilli—a young forward on the Canadian roster, asked Fleury for one of his sticks. In exchange, he offered to "let" Fleury prank him everyday. This moment was a perfect reminder that the legacy Marc is leaving behind is greater than just stats—and proof that life's more fun when you're planning your next prank.

Now, Pittsburgh fans will have the honor of celebrating his full career when Fleury dons the black and gold Penguins jersey one last time. His return to PPG Paints Arena will be more than a preseason game, instead it's a nostalgic reunion and a night to relive the joy, the saves, and the pranks that have defined his unforgettable legacy.

Edited by: Kelly Cassette