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Sidney Crosby Reacts to Marc-Andre Fleury Rejoining Penguins

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 7:48 PM ET

Sidney Crosby welcomed the news of Marc-Andre Fleury’s return to the Pittsburgh Penguins for one last game, calling it a fitting way to honor the goalie who helped define an era of Penguins hockey.

Crosby, as is tradition, went out to hand Penguins season-ticket holders some special packages around town and addressed the media while at it.

The Penguins captain touched on the recent announcement of Fleury's comeback from retirement to play a game for Pittsburgh and retire as a member of the Penguins.

“It’s great,” Crosby said. “I feel like I’ve had three or four lasts with him. Just when I think it’s the last, another thing happens. It’s a good thing. I thought in Minnesota it was going to be the last time. Then we played in the Worlds together. And now the preseason game.”

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Added Crosby: “I’m happy that he’s going to come back. He’s going to have a pretty special welcome. I know what he means to the city, to us, the organization. It’s going to be really cool to be part of it.”

The 40-year-old Fleury signed a professional tryout contract to suit up Sept. 27 in a preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Fleury, however, has made it clear there would be no full-time comeback following his one-off appearance.

“I wanted to go back where it all began,” Fleury said. “I see it as a wink to my past. I’ll wear the Penguins jersey one last time, and I’ll see some old teammates and friends again. It’s a way to come full circle. I’m still retired.”

Fleury’s last appearance for Pittsburgh came in 2017, before he departed for Vegas in the expansion draft that added the Golden Knights to the NHL.

The goalie left the game with 575 wins, three Stanley Cup championships, and a Hall of Fame résumé that not many put together.

Crosby, who won all three of those Cups alongside him, joked that the Penguins’ current roster will be motivated to help the veteran in his farewell game.

“I would think it’s going to be a pretty committed defensive group, making sure we help him out,” Crosby said. “I’m not sure how much he’s skated. If anything, it’s going to be entertaining.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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