The Minnesota Wild season is coming to a close without qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even with a disappointing year nearly in the rear-view mirror, the team did make some positive headlines today when they announced the re-signing of legendary goaltender Marc-André Fleury. The deal is for one year at $2.5 million for next season.
The Wild Flower blooms like no other ?
We’re excited to announce we’ve signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a one-year contract extension!
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— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 17, 2024
Marc-André Fleury Stays in Minnesota for One More Year
Marc-André Fleury is staying with the Minnesota Wild after signing the new deal. The contract is worth an average annual salary of $2.5 million for one season. The legendary and beloved goaltender will turn 40 next year, but has proven to be a solid goaltender for Minnesota. The Wild acquired Fleury from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021-2022 season and he has started over 90 games with the team since
Fleury’s impending retirement has been discussed at length in recent years, but this new contract ensures the beloved player will be sticking around for at least one more year. Fleury has accomplished everything an NHL goaltender can with multiple Stanley Cup rings and the second most wins by a goaltender ever. That being said, Fleury brings a lot of positives to Minnesota and they will be happy to have him return.
Fleury Brings Stability in Net
His return will provide stability to a Minnesota Wild net that faces some questions. Their other goaltender, Filip Gustavsson followed up an excellent season in 2022-2023 with a disappointing campaign this year. Gustavsson’s .899 save percentage leaves some doubt as to whether he’s ready to be the full-time starter in Minnesota. In addition to Gustavsson needing some time to prove himself, the Wild’s best goaltending prospect, Jesper Wallstedt, is still 21 years old.
Wallstedt will benefit from more development time and Gustavsson will reap the rewards of a split workload. With this in mind, Fleury is the perfect person to bring stability to the situation. While Fleury finishes this year with a save percentage under .900, he still appeared in 39 games for Minnesota. Fleury is a beloved teammate, presence in a city and is still an effective player. The Wild need a stabilizing force in net if they hope to compete next season. With Fleury re-signing, they have that steady influence that can start a meaningful number of games.
Main photo by: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
