Fleury: 'Door is more open' for return to Wild next season

Much to the joy of hockey fans everywhere, beloved goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury may not be hanging up his pads just yet.

"The door is more open today for a return than it was in September or October," he told NHL.com's Jean-Francois Chaumont in a French-language interview.

The Minnesota Wild puck-stopper said in September that he'd wait until the end of the 2023-24 season - his 20th in the NHL - before deciding on his retirement.

Now, Fleury said that he's "rediscovered the joy of playing hockey," which changes everything for the 39-year-old veteran.

"I'd like to sit down with (Wild GM Bill Guerin) and have a chat with him," he said. "I want to know what he thinks. What are the plans for the Wild? What are his options? What does he think about me? Am I still an asset for the team?

"We also have another good young goalie in the American Hockey League in (Jesper) Wallstedt. He's been playing in (the AHL) for two years now. I'll need to know Bill's plans."

The future Hall of Famer has been a solid option between the pipes for the Wild all season in the face of Filip Gustavsson's struggles. Fleury has 16 wins under his belt across 36 appearances, as well as an .899 save percentage and 2.85 goals against average. He's also saved 6.95 goals above average and 3.59 goals above expected at five-on-five, per Evolving-Hockey.

Guerin said he's been impressed by Fleury's play and professionalism, so a reunion wouldn't be out of the question for the executive.

"I'm more than open to the possibility of seeing him coming back for another season, 100%," he said. "We'll talk about it in the next few days. He's still having a good season. I think he's still got hockey in him if he wants. There's still some gas left in his tank."

This is Fleury's second full season in Minnesota after the Chicago Blackhawks sent him there at the 2022 trade deadline. He's currently playing out the final season of a two-year, $7-million extension.

The netminder could've been a top target at this season's trade deadline, but Fleury made it clear he wanted to stick with the Wild during their playoff push.

Though Minnesota's odds of making the postseason are at a minuscule 5.2%, according to MoneyPuck, there's still nowhere else Fleury would rather be.

"Yeah, it's probably Minnesota or retirement," he said.

"If I come back, I'd sign a one-year contract," Fleury continued. "And then, we'll figure it out from there."

Fleury already ranks second all time in wins (560) and fourth in games played (1,021) by a goaltender. He's also a three-time Stanley Cup champion and took home the Vezina Trophy in 2021.

The Quebec native has appeared in 17 straight postseasons, though that streak is now in jeopardy.