Marc-Andre Fleury

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Lore & Background

When the Golden Knights were born, Fleury was their first choice. Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft, he reached the Final again in 2018. During his time with Vegas, he received the William M. Jennings Trophy and the Vezina Trophy in 2021. His presence in net provided a grounding force for the young roster. The bond between Fleury and the fans was immediate. He is remembered for proving that Vegas could compete at the highest level immediately.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over T-Mobile Arena as the second period wound down. The air was thick with humidity and anticipation. Marc-Andre Fleury stood on his knees, mask reflecting the glare of the floodlights. A shot came screaming from the blue line, defying physics. For that split second, the desert city held its breath, united behind the man in black and gold.

Reader's Guide

Inside T-Mobile Arena, the atmosphere is electric, defined by a sea of black and gold jerseys and an unyielding energy that matches the Vegas nightlife outside. Fans embrace the 'Vegas Baby!' chant during goals, creating a wall of sound that supports players like Fleury did in his prime. Community events often highlight the team's connection to the city, from charity ice clinics to alumni games honoring original roster members. The spirit of Las Vegas is embodied in the team's resilience; just as the city rises from the desert, so does this franchise overcome odds. Visitors are encouraged to experience a game night to feel the unique culture where high stakes meet entertainment. Respect for legends like Fleury is woven into the fanbase DNA, ensuring that while rosters change, the history of the inaugural run remains sacred ground for every Knight supporter.

Did You Know?

• Fleury is only the third goalie to be chosen first overall in the NHL entry draft, after Michel Plasse and Rick DiPietro.
• His jersey number (29) was retired by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles on January 25, 2008, during his fifth NHL season.
• Fleury is known by the nickname 'Flower', derived from the English translation of his last name (fleuri means 'in bloom' or 'in flower' in French).
• He is the third goaltender to ever reach the 500 victories mark in the NHL, after Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy.
• Fleury won a gold medal with the Canada senior team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Early Career and Historic Draft Selection

Marc-André Fleury's journey began in South Shore, Montreal, where he competed in the 1998 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the College-Français Rive-Sud minor ice hockey team. He played junior ice hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles beginning in 2000–01. After a strong 2002–03 campaign that included a silver medal with Canada's junior team at the World Junior Championships, QMJHL Second Team All-Star honours, the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league's top prospect and the Telus Cup as the top defensive player, he was chosen first overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is only the third goalie to be chosen first overall in the NHL entry draft, after Michel Plasse and Rick DiPietro. Playing four seasons total with Cape Breton, Fleury's jersey number (29) was later retired by the club in his fourth NHL season on January 25, 2008.

Pittsburgh Penguins Tenure and Stanley Cup Glory

Fleury immediately made his NHL debut during the 2003–04 season as the youngest goaltender in the league at 18 years old. He appeared in his first NHL game on October 10, 2003, against the Los Angeles Kings, recording an impressive 46-save performance, which included a penalty shot save, in a 3–0 loss. Fleury recorded his first NHL win in his very next start, on October 18, with 31 saves in a 4–3 win over the Detroit Red Wings. His first NHL shutout came on October 30, in a 1–0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. During his 13 seasons with the team, Fleury won Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017. He earned his 40th win in a 2–1 victory over the New York Rangers in the season finale, joining Tom Barrasso as the only Penguins goaltenders to record 40 wins in a season. He also broke Johan Hedberg's single season franchise record for most games and minutes played.

Vegas Expansion and Individual Accolades

After being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft, Fleury reached the Final again in 2018, and received the William M. Jennings Trophy and the Vezina Trophy in 2021. His arrival helped propel the expansion team to the Stanley Cup Final just one year later in 2018. During his time with Vegas, Fleury achieved the pinnacle of individual recognition by winning both the William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed and the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender in 2021.

Career Milestones and International Legacy

Fleury also played with the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as the Minnesota Wild, with whom he reached several milestones and ultimately retired with in 2025. He is the third goaltender to ever reach the 500 victories mark in the NHL, after Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur, and the fourth goaltender to reach 1,000 games played, after Roy, Brodeur, and Roberto Luongo. Internationally, Fleury has represented Canada's junior team twice, winning back-to-back silver medals at the World Junior Championships in 2003 and 2004. He won a gold medal with the Canada senior team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Fleury is known by the nickname 'Flower', derived from the English translation of his last name (fleuri means 'in bloom', or 'in flower', in French).