This season marks the farewell tour for Marc-Andre Fleury, who is set to play his final year in the NHL before heading to the Hall of Fame.
“I guess we can refer to him as Derek Jeter now, right?” quipped former NHL goaltender Craig Anderson.
However, the critical question for the Minnesota Wild is what role Fleury will take on during his final season.
As Fleury approaches his 40th birthday in November, how many games should he realistically play?
Filip Gustavsson’s name surfaced in trade talks earlier this summer, but it seems he will remain with the team. Additionally, top prospect Jesper Wallstedt could potentially join a three-goalie rotation. President and general manager Bill Guerin has mentioned that Wallstedt may stay for the entire season or possibly only part of it.
“We’re still quite flexible on that,” Guerin informed The Athletic. “It could turn into a hybrid situation.”
Guerin believes it is “realistic” for Fleury to play in the low 40s for games this season. He participated in 40 last year and 46 the year before.
“It’s not an easy task,” remarked former NHL goaltender Marty Biron. “Back in the mid to late 90s and early 2000s, many goalies played well into their 30s, like Patrick Roy and Curtis Joseph, as well as Eddie Belfour and Dominik Hasek. However, the demands of the position have increased substantially since then. The veterans won’t admit it, but I have no qualms about stating it: The physical toll on players today far exceeds what we faced. The demands of the role are five to ten times greater than in our era.
“If Marc-Andre Fleury is able to play 40 games at a high level, I will be genuinely impressed. I believe he can do it given his physical prowess, but being in good shape is only part of the equation.”
For further insight into what lies ahead for Fleury, The Athletic consulted various goalies who have played into their early 40s, including Anderson, Dwayne Roloson, and Hall of Famer Ryan Miller. Some of them have experience in three-goalie rotations as well. We also examined the statistics.
The decisions the Wild make regarding their goaltending situation may be the most vital topic as the season approaches. They must avoid falling below league average in goal if they hope to make the playoffs.
Roloson was nearing 40 when he played 63 games for the Oilers during the 2008-09 season.
Coach Craig MacTavish and his staff managed Roloson’s workload throughout that year.
“I didn’t practice much with the rest of the team,” Roloson recalled. “I focused on goalie-specific training, which happened maybe once or twice a week. There are always ways to manage it. (Fleury) is experienced; he understands his body and what he requires. He just needs to be honest when he feels tired and needs a break.”
However, for Fleury, known as one of the game’s most competitive practice players—often diving to stop a puck in routine drills and doing push-ups after allowing a practice goal—being candid with coach John Hynes may prove challenging.
Hynes could also take the decision out of Fleury’s hands.
“We should make it a guilt-free situation,” Roloson joked.
During the 2010-11 season, Roloson maintained a .916 save percentage in 20 games with the New York Islanders before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he ended up playing 72 games in total between the regular season and playoffs, registering a .924 save percentage in 17 postseason games. Similarly to his time with the Oilers, he often practiced away from the group, focusing on scouting opponent tendencies with assistant coach Steve Thomas.
“It isn’t as draining as practicing,” Roloson commented. “That aspect is more about mental preparation.
the grind of seeing approximately 100 shots in just 40 minutes.
“Marc is clever enough. He’ll examine the practice plan and think, ‘I dislike this drill. I’m opting out.’ That’s his prerogative. He’s earned that right. He’ll be wise and manage it well. This isn’t unprecedented. The game is different now, certainly, but there are rest days built into the schedule … so it’s about managing until those points arrive.”
However, balancing rest and sharpness is a delicate act.
Roloson is among the few goalies who have played into their 40s. Since the 1959-60 season, there have been 41 cases of a netminder achieving this milestone (based on their ages as of January 31 of each respective season). He is one of only four to play over 50 games at that stage of his career and has been featured in three of the 11 instances where such a goalie reached the 40-game threshold.
This context places history at a disadvantage for Fleury as he seeks to maintain a true starting role at this stage in his career. The 39-year-old recently experienced one of the toughest seasons of his career, finishing with an .895 save percentage and allowing 9.21 goals fewer than anticipated, according to Evolving-Hockey. Nonetheless, Guerin remained undeterred, opting to re-sign him for another year.
“We brought him back because he’s still a very capable goalie in the league,” Guerin stated. “His presence greatly benefits the entire team — not just the goaltenders. However, we have to manage his playing time. We can’t ignore his age. That said, if he’s performing well, he will be in the lineup. That’s our intention. We wouldn’t have signed him if we didn’t believe he could handle a full workload.”
When examining the history of goalies who are 40 and older, there are success stories like Roloson’s. With the right defensive support and assistance from his goalie partners, Fleury might also achieve this success. However, the outcomes have generally been inconsistent:
(Click to expand chart)
Anderson, who retired in 2023, mentioned that he adjusted his workout routine in the later stages of his career, specifically from ages 39 to 42, choosing to swim more instead of focusing on heavy lifting during the summer. This change benefited his neck and shoulders, allowing him to feel more flexible and refreshed. However, regardless of his efforts, he consistently felt worse the day following a day off during the season. He experienced more soreness.
“Even if you spent just 15 minutes on the ice, going through the motions and getting some movement was more effective than taking a day off,” Anderson reflected.
“On days off, it felt like you weren’t being active,” Anderson remarked. “We would go in, and I’d either ride the bike or take a long walk — that just wasn’t sufficient. It was far more beneficial to actually get onto the ice and take shots for 15 or 20 minutes. After two days off, it took me a long time to get back into the rhythm.”
“My advice to Marc would be, ‘Just get dressed each day. … That way, your body isn’t shocked after a break.’”
In his last two NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Anderson played 31 and 26 games, respectively. He was part of a three-goalie system and understood his position: a veteran mentor. However, the Sabres were in the midst of a rebuilding phase. There will be significant pressure as they come off a rare postseason absence.
Fleury’s expected role and workload will shape the expectations in goal.
“I’m not sure what his mindset is,” Anderson stated. “Is he content playing 15 games and taking it easy for another year, or does he still aspire to play 40 or 50 games? I was satisfied playing 15 games, spending time with the guys, and mentoring those around me. I knew if I was in net, it wouldn’t be a back-to-back or it would be in a city where I had family.”
“Minnesota is going to be competing for points and a playoff spot. It’s going to be more business-focused.”
Miller felt he had extracted every bit of himself as a starter by the time he reached the Anaheim Ducks for his final four seasons. He found comfort in having a better work-life balance and being present for his children, and he no longer had the desire to be a No. 1. In fact, he averaged 21 games per season with the Ducks. His training shifted significantly, focusing on the gym with fewer game reps, which allowed him to be in better shape than during his high-volume seasons when he “withered away.”
“As we age, our recovery time increases,” Miller explained. “Therefore, I made sure I allowed myself more substantial recovery periods. Regardless of what people may suggest, your body indeed responds differently in your 40s compared to your 20s. So, adapting your approach is essential.”
“I used to chuckle at the guys on the road who took a break from family life and could just relax. But you realize that reality when you experience it.”
When asked about the dynamics of three-goalie systems, Anderson chuckled.
“What was the others’ view on it?”
Anderson participated in a rotation with Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, where he anticipated playing only once a week. Nonetheless, it remained a challenge.
“It requires a unique combination of three players to make it successful,” Anderson commented. “The third goalie must embrace a mentor role, recognizing they may not play very often.”
Fleury will certainly assume that role; however, Guerin mentioned it’s not a scenario where he’ll merely play 10 or 15 games before handing the net to Wallstedt. There’s also Gustavsson, who the Wild reported is looking good in Sweden this offseason. He aims to recover from a disappointing season, marked by an .899 save percentage and a 3.06 goals-against average — a stark contrast to the previous year’s performance (.931, 2.10).
“He may not be the player he was two years ago,” Guerin remarked. “But he is certainly an improvement over last year.”
Additionally, there are challenges with the salary cap. If Wallstedt makes the opening night roster, the Wild will have approximately $500,000 remaining, which won’t be sufficient room for promising prospect Riley Heidt to begin a potential nine-game NHL trial before the decision to send him back to junior. Guerin recognized that having Wallstedt on the roster during the season would be “tricky,” but emphasized that the team could always send him down if they required a call-up from AHL Iowa at another position.
Those who have experienced situations with three goaltenders argue that having a young, highly-touted prospect as the third option is not advisable.
Take the Montreal Canadiens’ attempt to manage this dilemma last season, featuring Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault, and Cayden Primeau.
Prior to the trade deadline, Primeau rotated in for 14 games, achieving a .901 save percentage and saving 1.3 goals more than expected. Though the results weren’t promising for the emerging goaltender, Montreal had no choice but to continue with a three-goalie arrangement to avoid losing Primeau to waivers.
When Allen was traded to the New Jersey Devils at the deadline, the Canadiens reverted to a two-goalie setup, which had a positive impact on their players. Over the following nine games, Primeau improved significantly, posting a .921 save percentage and saving 7.6 goals above expectations. This represented an increase of 0.78 goals saved per 60 minutes.
The 2023-24 Canadiens exemplify a team that struggled with a three-goalie system, but their experience might make Minnesota reconsider how to utilize Wallstedt.
According to Anderson, “It all hinges on the players and their perceptions of their roles, as well as their willingness to accept them. It’s challenging for the starting goalie because, while he’s in the game, he can dictate practice, but then feels he must give up the net to ensure another goalie isn’t left idle. It creates a complicated dynamic.
“If you plan to rely on Fleury and Gus, Wallstedt must be placed in the minors. The agent won’t be pleased, and there will be financial concerns. However, this path will prepare him for a starting role much more effectively than being the second or third goalie, getting sporadic starts, and practicing daily.”
During his rookie season in 1998-99 with the Sabres, Biron found himself as the third goalie, playing just six games behind Hasek (64 games) and Roloson (18). He recalled coach Lindy Ruff treating the situation as if he had only two goalies, with him falling into the category of the third. Later, with the Islanders, Biron played 29 games behind Roloson (50), while Rick DiPietro was also involved. Roloson was frustrated due to the competition for starts, DiPietro was unhappy as he was returning from injury with minimal game time, and Biron was dissatisfied with his infrequent starts.
“If you’re only facing negativity from one goalie, it can be managed,” Biron reflected. “But when all three of your goaltenders are experiencing discontent, that’s when the situation turns into a disaster.
“Trying to appease everyone ultimately leads to no one being satisfied. That’s the crux of the matter.”
This dynamic is why three-goalie systems tend to be short-lived rather than viable long-term strategies. The Winnipeg Jets faced a similar challenge in 2015-16 with Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson once Connor Hellebuyck was elevated to the NHL. Eventually, Hellebuyck returned to the AHL after 26 games, and the issue was resolved during the offseason.
In the following year, the Islanders navigated a three-goalie scenario with Thomas Greiss, J.F. Berube, and Jaroslav Halak, but it ultimately proved unbeneficial for anyone involved. The Devils also experimented in 2018-19 with Keith Kinkaid, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Cory Schneider, but like the Canadiens, they abandoned this strategy before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers tried out their own three-goalie approach when Igor Shesterkin was called up to join Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev. Unlike the Canadiens from the previous season, the three-goalie setup did not hinder Shesterkin. This could offer some hope for Wallstedt and Minnesota; however, there’s a significant difference between managing such an arrangement as the season progresses versus entering the season with a crowded goalie situation.
Wallstedt made an impressive debut in the NHL last season, rebounding after a challenging start in Dallas, which was partially attributed to
The team found itself in a difficult position by achieving victories in his next two starts against the Chicago Blackhawks (which included a shutout) and the San Jose Sharks. Wallstedt has expressed his readiness for the NHL; it is his desired destination.
However, 21-year-olds typically do not carry significant workloads at the NHL level. A review of data from 1959-60 reveals that 94 goalies aged 22 or younger (as of January 31 of each respective season) have participated in at least 10 games. When considering 20 starts, that figure decreases to 65—19 of whom have played in the last decade.
Reaching 33 starts would account for 40 percent of the season, representing a 1B workload crucial for Fleury’s backup if Gustavsson is absent from the equation. Merely 38 goaltenders aged 22 or younger have been assigned such a workload in a single season since 1959-60—only six in the past ten years.
(Click to expand chart)
Determining the suitable number of starts for a 21-year-old poses a challenge for any team. This is further complicated when a wild card such as a soon-to-be 40-year-old enters the equation.
So is a limited NHL workload more beneficial for him than serving as a full-time No. 1 in Iowa?
“(It’s) something we really focus on,” Guerin stated. “The quality of practice is essential, and the caliber of shooters you encounter at this level is considerably different. The pace of practice among teams varies widely. It’s crucial for him to gain experience in that environment. Striking a good balance between sufficient game action is imperative.”
Miller articulated it this way:
“It’s valuable for younger players to hold the net long enough to understand what it means to be in that position. Being shuffled around too much can be counterproductive.”
Wallstedt indicated that having Fleury as a mentor would be significant. The young Swede has previously acknowledged Fleury as a major influence. This factor could have influenced the Wild’s decision to re-sign Fleury.
“(Wallstedt’s) their heir apparent; he must be afforded an opportunity,” Biron remarked. “I was surprised by their decision to re-sign Fleury. I greatly admire Marc-Andre Fleury. He’s an exceptional person, and I respect his achievements. What a career he has had. However, I felt it was an unusual choice for Minnesota to extend his contract. I would have anticipated this year for them to transition to Gustavsson and Wallstedt and say, ‘Flower, we cherish you, but that doesn’t fit into our plans.’”
Among current and former peers…
There is a universal admiration for Fleury among his peers. Miller notes the enjoyment Fleury seems to experience while playing his position. Roloson admires Fleury’s athleticism and creativity in goal, stating he is anything but “robotic.” Anderson has been following Fleury’s career since their encounters in the minors many years ago.
“He’s always been dynamic and full of life,” Anderson remarked. “He’s someone who truly enjoys the game. My own career was extended by my love for being on the ice, but he operates on a whole different level when it comes to his passion for the sport. I’m a huge fan of the game, yet he outshines me in terms of enthusiasm. He’s the type of player you want to watch because of the vibrancy he adds. He consistently finds ways to give his team a chance to win while maintaining a lighthearted demeanor and a smile.”
“I understand that he isn’t fond of the spotlight, but it will find him regardless. He has certainly earned that attention and deserves to embrace it fully. The most important advice I can offer is to relish it while it lasts, because once it’s gone, it’s really gone.”
Data via Stathead and Evolving-Hockey.
(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
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Navigating the Final Season: Marc-Andre Fleury’s Farewell Tour and the Minnesota Wild’s Goalkeeping Dilemma
The Legacy of Marc-Andre Fleury
As the NHL approaches the 2023-2024 season, one of the most anticipated storylines is the farewell tour of goaltending icon Marc-Andre Fleury. With a career spanning over 18 seasons and multiple Stanley Cups, Fleury has become a beloved figure in the hockey community. His journey from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Vegas Golden Knights and now with the Minnesota Wild adds depth and emotion to his final season.
Marc-Andre Fleury: A Career Overview
- Drafted: 1st overall in the 2003 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Stanley Cups: Three-time champion (2009, 2016, 2017).
- All-Star Appearances: Five-time NHL All-Star.
- Career Highlights: Vezina Trophy winner, Olympic gold medalist.
Fleury’s Impact on Teams
Fleury’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made him a key player for every team he has represented. His charismatic personality and leadership qualities have also positively influenced the locker room dynamics.
The Minnesota Wild’s Current Goalkeeping Situation
With Fleury at the helm, the Minnesota Wild face significant decisions regarding their goaltending future. The Wild have had a tumultuous goaltending history, and Fleury’s presence is both a blessing and a dilemma.
Current Goaltending Lineup
The Minnesota Wild’s goaltending situation features a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential. Here’s a breakdown of their current goalkeepers:
| Name | Age | Experience (NHL Games) | Expected Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marc-Andre Fleury | 38 | 940 | Starter |
| Kaapo Kahkonen | 26 | 70 | Backup/Development |
| Hunter Jones | 22 | 0 | Future Prospect |
Fleury’s Farewell Tour: What to Expect
As Fleury embarks on his farewell tour, fans can expect a season filled with nostalgia, memorable performances, and heartfelt tributes. Here’s what to look forward to:
- Emotional Goodbyes: Fleury will likely receive tributes in opposing arenas, showcasing the respect he has earned across the league.
- Record-Breaking Moments: Fans will be eager to see if he can break any more records, including becoming the all-time winningest goaltender.
- Fan Engagement: Expect merchandise and events celebrating his career, as Wild fans look to honor one of the game’s greats.
Challenges Facing the Minnesota Wild
While Fleury’s experience is invaluable, the Minnesota Wild face some challenges in their goaltending strategy:
Managing Fleury’s Workload
As Fleury enters his final season, managing his workload will be crucial. The Wild need to find the right balance between giving him enough ice time to maintain performance while also preparing for the future.
- Backup Role: Kahkonen and Jones must step up to ensure Fleury isn’t overworked.
- Development Opportunities: The coaching staff should provide Kahkonen with opportunities to gain experience while still benefiting from Fleury’s mentorship.
Future of the Goaltending Position
As Fleury prepares to exit the NHL stage, the Wild’s management must consider what lies ahead for their goaltending situation:
- Prospect Evaluation: Analyzing the potential of younger goalies like Hunter Jones will be imperative.
- Free Agency and Trades: The Wild may look to acquire another experienced goaltender to bridge the gap left by Fleury.
Fan Perspective: A Community United
The Minnesota Wild fanbase is passionate and deeply connected to the team. Fleury’s farewell tour has ignited excitement and emotions among fans. Here’s how fans can engage:
Benefits of Participation
- Increased Team Spirit: Fans rally behind Fleury, creating a sense of unity and excitement.
- Memorable Experiences: Attending games and participating in events dedicated to Fleury can foster unforgettable memories.
- Community Involvement: Fans can engage in charitable events hosted by the team, further strengthening community ties.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Minnesota Wild fan, witnessing Marc-Andre Fleury’s career has been nothing short of inspiring. Attending games where he showcases his skills is exhilarating. The atmosphere in the arena when he makes a key save is electric, igniting cheers and chants from the crowd. This season feels particularly special as we celebrate his contributions to the sport and our team.
Conclusion
The 2023-2024 NHL season promises to be a remarkable journey for Marc-Andre Fleury and the Minnesota Wild. As Fleury embarks on his farewell tour, the team must navigate the complexities of their goaltending situation while cherishing the legacy he leaves behind. Fans, players, and management alike will play a critical role in making this season a memorable tribute to one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders.
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