Blackhawks Trade Marc-Andre Fleury to Wild
Making a huge splash on deadline day, the Minnesota Wild are acquiring one of the biggest names on the NHL’s trade board, in goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Based on multiple reports, Fleury has agreed to waive his 10-team no-trade clause to join the Wild – his third different organization in less than two years.
As compensation, the Chicago Blackhawks are receiving a conditional second-round pick in this deal, however, that selection will only convert to a first if Minnesota reaches the Western Conference Finals and Fleury earns four or more wins within the first two rounds.
If these conditions aren’t met, Chicago will receive a second-round selection instead.
Additionally, the Blackhawks are retaining 50 per-cent of Fleury’s $7.0 million cap hit for the remainder of the season.
One season removed from winning the 2020-21 Vezina Trophy, Fleury endured an up and down season with the Blackhawks, posting a 2.95 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage across 45 games.
By comparison, the three-time Stanley Cup champion dominated in his crease last season, registering a stellar 1.98 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage in 36 contests.
At 37, Fleury is in the final season of his three-year, $21-million contract that was signed back in 2018. Once this season ends, the veteran netminder will become an unrestricted free agent.
In the meantime, the Sorel, Quebec, native will attempt to solidify Minnesota’s goaltending situation, and is expected to split time with his newest teammate, Cam Talbot.
Together, this newly-formed duo will aim to help the Wild – who’re currently positioned third in the West – embark on a deep playoff run this spring. After repeatedly losing in the opening round since ‘16, this franchise hopes to put an end to that dreadful streak this season.
Shortly after the 3:00 pm ET trade deadline passes, Minnesota will host the Vegas Golden Knights at Xcel Energy Center on Monday.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85
Photo: Ched Davis. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.