No player epitomized the Vegas Golden Knights mentality during their improbable playoff run this past season more than goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. “Flower” became a fan favorite despite battling early season injury. Now, as the NHL offseason continues on, the Golden Knights can breathe easy knowing the goal is tended. With one year remaining on his contract, Fleury signed a three-year extension Friday morning which will take him through the 2021-22 season — pure flower power.
Fleury faced the media Friday afternoon, and — in typical ‘Flower’ fashion — was all smiles and jokes. Whether it was when someone’s phone chimed in with an AOL’s patented “You’ve got mail,” or when his own phone went off with a flash flood warning, the Golden Misfit commanded the room and kept it laughing and loose — much like he did with the Knights this season.
“I guess you guys will be stuck with me a little bit longer,” Fleury said in a Twitter video announcing the move. “I just signed a three-year extension. I’m really excited about it. My family and I really love Vegas — the organization, my teammates. I feel very blessed to keep playing in front of you guys for a few more years so thanks for the support. Thanks to my team for trusting me, and I’ll see you guys in September.”
It’s hard not to like Fleury. While he has 404 career wins in 737 games between Pittsburgh (691 games) and Vegas (46) — the 11th most career wins in NHL history — it’s his spirit and smile that keeps Golden Knights fans falling in love with the Quebec-born goaltender. He is the Michael Jordan of Las Vegas sports now as the most popular face in town.
As the face of the Golden Knights, especially with the departure of James Neal, Fleury has been all over town. He’s been spotted everywhere, from a No Doubt concert, UFC events, and he’s even made an appearance on one of Las Vegas’s most popular TV show, “Pawn Stars.”
In an offseason that saw a few of the most popular “Golden Misfits” sail for greener pastures (or just more green in their wallet), fans were concerned Fleury wouldn’t be around after next year. With “Wild Bill” Karlsson scheduled for arbitration, nerves began to creep. Then, on Friday the 13th — a day linked to another goalie-mask wearing behemoth — Fleury took to social media.
The 33-year-old goalie announced the move in a short video posted by the Golden Knights’ Twitter page.
🌸
FLEURY
HAS
SOME
REALLY
BIG
NEWS
❗️#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/JXRllYGcvo
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 13, 2018
Fleury came the the Golden Knights thanks to a bit of good fortune. The Pittsburgh Pengiuns left him available during the expansion draft and the VGK selected the three-time Stanley Cup winner . He won 29 games in 2017-18, including his 400th career victory. He registered a 2.24 goals-against average and a save percentage of .927, the best statistical regular season of his career. The salary average of roughly $7 million per year will put Fleury into the top five highest paid goalies in the NHL.
While most Golden Knights fans celebrated, there was still pessimism from some. Fleury’s age when the contract ends was one question mark, as he’ll hit 38 years old in 2022.
Yikes. Love Fleury but that is awful. He'll be 38 when that expires. https://t.co/GTsd0ggDFp
— Tyler Stadnyk (@Crosby2Sprong) July 13, 2018
The Golden Knights making it to the Cup Final could result in the team being in salary cap hell much sooner than any other expansion team ever.
Historic. https://t.co/Hy94F3IIwW
— Jeremy (@jeremyschwarz) July 13, 2018
Continuity is everything so keeping Fleury in goal, and maintaining that clubhouse leadership is just as valuable as anything he can do on the ice, which is plenty. Whether he’s giving opponents fits with his athletic play in the net, or giving them wet willies, “Flower” will never have to buy a drink in Vegas ever again.
For lifelong Vegas sports fans, he’s the first pro sports icon the city has ever had. Sure Derek Carr and the Raiders will be here in a few years, but Fleury has the market cornered for city’s local legend. Keeping here is a fine gesture to the fans who cheered the Knights on all season, selling out T-Mobile Arena night in and night out.
The Nevada State Flower will remain a Golden Knight for four more years — perfectly fitting the announcement came on Friday the 13th, a day long linked to a goalie’s mask. Heck, even Jason Vorhees is probably celebrating to move today, and, why not? No better place than Sin City for this Golden Misfit who will finish his career as a Golden Knight.
