Marc-André Fleury Flashes the Pads One Last Time for Team Canada
Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, formerly of the Wild, announces his departure from the NHL following his last game, aiming for a new challenge overseas.
Get ready, hockey fans! Marc-André Fleury, aged 40, is gearing up for a grand farewell on the ice as he joins Team Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Championships. Despite rumors of retirement after the Minnesota Wild's playoff letdown, Fleury has accepted the invitation, prepping to wind down his career with style.
This will be Fleury's inaugural World Championships stint, and with a legendary reputation built over 21 NHL seasons and a stellar 2.93 GAA, .899 SV% in the 2024-25 season, the veteran goaltender could either slot in as a starter or backup [1][3][5]. Currently, there's just one other confirmed goalie on Team Canada, the promising Rangers prospect Dylan Garand. However, Anticipate other heavy-hitting NHL netminders, such as Jordan Binnington, to join the team [3][5].
In the net, Fleury will stand alongside familiar faces like Sidney Crosby, his long-standing partner from their triumphant 12-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins [1][2]. The roster also includes rising stars like Macklin Celebrini (2024's 1st overall pick), Adam Fantilli (who racked up 30 NHL goals), and Kent Johnson (nailing 57 points in the NHL season) [4][5]. The balanced combination of youthful talent and experienced leaders will make for an exciting tournament.
The competition takes place in both Denmark and Sweden, with Canada's specific match dates and foes yet to be announced. Given Fleury's age and the possibility of additional goalies joining as playoffs wrap up, his appearances on the ice might be limited, but they'll undoubtedly be memorable [3][5].
One crucial highlight for this event will be Fleury's final on-ice collaboration with Crosby, creating a lasting legacy moment after their joint successes spanning three Stanley Cups [1][2]. Stay tuned, hockey enthusiasts, for what promises to be a heartwarming swansong!
- Marc-André Fleury, having accepted an invitation, will be playing in the IIHF World Championships in 2025, marking his first participation in the tournament.
- Despite rumors of retirement after the Minnesota Wild's playoff letdown, Fleury, with a reputation built over 21 NHL seasons, may serve as a starter or backup in the championship.
- The usual suspects in the NHL are expected to join Team Canada, with goaltenders like Jordan Binnington potentially joining the roster alongside Dylan Garand.
- In the playoffs, fans will watch Sidney Crosby, Fleury's long-standing partner from the Pittsburgh Penguins, compete alongside rising stars like Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, and Kent Johnson.
- The 2025 IIHF World Championships will take place in both Denmark and Sweden, with Canada's specific opponents and dates yet to be announced, but Fleury's appearances might be limited due to his age and the addition of more goalies.
- The tournament promises to be exciting as it marks Fleury's final on-ice collaboration with Crosby, creating a lasting legacy moment after their joint successes spanning three Stanley Cups.
