Fleury had the opportunity to join the Blackhawks ‘very attractive’

Marc-Andre Fleury is set to continue his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks and the goalkeeper appreciated that general manager Stan Bowman gave him time to reflect on his future.

“There are many things to consider,” Fleury said on Wednesday. I’m grateful that Stan gave me the opportunity to think about what I want to do, what’s best for me and my family. “

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Fleury, who was picked up by the Blackhawks from the Vegas Golden Knights on July 27, won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the top goalscorer in the NHL, after posting a 26–10–0 record with 1.98 goals for the first time in his career. . Average and save .928 percent with the Golden Knights last season. He was third in the NHL for shutouts with six, behind Semyon Varlamov New York Islanders and Philippe Grubauer Colorado Avalanche, which recorded seven each. Fleury signed his 490th win in the NHL against the Minnesota Wild on May 5, joining Roberto Luongo in third place in history.

There is one year to go on the extension of the $21 million (for an average annual fee of $7 million) contract signed with Vegas on July 13, 2018.

The 36-year-old veteran says he learned he had been traded when his agent, Alan Walsh, told him the news broke on Twitter. Following the transaction, Walsh indicated that Fleury had not been apprised and that he would “take time to discuss the situation with his family and to think seriously about his future in hockey”.

“I never did anything against Chicago as an organization,” Fleury said. It was just a matter of figuring out what I wanted to do. I have spoken to many people and continue to hear a lot of good things about the team, how the players and their families are treated. I think Steyn did a good job of picking the players over the summer, trying to make this team competitive right away, and it’s also very attractive. “

The Blackhawks have acquired Defenseman Seth Jones Columbus Blue Jackets on July 23 for three draft picks. Jones, who on July 28 agreed to an eight-year contract extension amounting to $76 million ($9.5 million per year), scored 28 points (five goals, 23 assists) in 56 games with the Blue Jackets last season. ) entered. Seth’s brother Caleb, who is also a defender, becomes the property of the Blackhawks when the Blackhawks trade the defender. Duncan Keetho July 12 at the Edmonton Oilers.

Chicago also acquired the services of the striker. tyler johnson Tampa Bay Lightning on July 28. Johnson had 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 55 regular season games and seven points (four goals, three assists) in 23 Stanley Cup playoff games, helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year.

The Blackhawks have entered into a settlement with defendants and free agents without compensation Jake McCabe on July 28 for four years in the amount of $16 million ($4 million per year). McCabe, who recorded three points (one goal, two assists) in 13 games with the Buffalo Sabers, suffered a knee injury last season but is expected to be able to play this season.

Fleury said she can’t wait to play with the Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toes, who should be able to return to the game this season after missing the last campaign with a condition called Chronic Immune Response Syndrome. He is equally eager to be around the striker Patrick KaneThe Blackhawks were the leading scorer last season with 66 points (15 goals, 51 assists) in 56 games.

“Kane is one of the players who gave me the most trouble in shootouts during my career,” Fleury said. So I look forward to training with him every day and being able to fight the good fight with him. “

Bowman said on Monday that he needed Fleury and kevin lankinnon Build a good tandem in front of the net. The Lincoln was 17-4-5 with 3.01 GAA, .909 savings rate, and two shutouts last winter.

“I haven’t spoken to him yet,” said Fleury de Lancinon. I saw him play last season and in my opinion he is a very talented goalkeeper, he is still young and I hope I can help him in his development. There are going to be a lot of close matches, so we need to score both goals and that’s a good thing. It’s nice that there are two of us who can do well and I hope I can help them. “

First picked by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 draft, Fleury is 492-276-80 with two draws and 2.55 goals—against average, .913 saves and 67 shutouts. With 883 regular season games (858 starts). He is also 90–70 with 2.53 GAA, .912 saves and 16 shutouts in 162 playoff games (160 starts), and has won the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017) with the Penguins.