Golden Knights legend signs on for one final game

The story of Marc-Andre Fleury will have one final chapter, returning to where it all began.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they signed Fleury to a professional tryout contract.

Fleury, who announced his retirement after spending last season with the Minnesota Wild, will practice with the Penguins on Sept. 26 and participate in the team’s preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sept. 27.

“The entire Penguins organization is honored to welcome Marc-Andre Fleury back to the ice in Pittsburgh,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said.

“This past year everyone witnessed how beloved and respected Marc is in the game of hockey, but the adoration goes beyond his accolades and career. Marc means so much to our team, our fans and the City of Pittsburgh because of the person he is and the example he set. The Penguins feel he and his family are most-deserving of this opportunity to celebrate this full-circle moment back where it all started in front of the black and gold faithful.”

Fleury was drafted first overall by the Penguins in 2003, helping guide the team to three Stanley Cups and is the franchise leader in virtually every category.

However, in 2017, Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, with the Penguins adding a 2020 second-round pick to ensure they would select him. He would immediately become a fan favorite for the new franchise, helping lead the Golden Knights to a spirited run to the Stanley Cup Final in the team’s first season in 2018. Even after trading him to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021, Fleury still holds every major goaltending record in Golden Knights history.

Now, Fleury gets the chance to enjoy one last ride with the team that kickstarted his Hall of Fame career.