Marc-Andre Fleury

Growing up in Sorel, Marc‑André Fleury switched from playing forward to tending goal as a child and climbed the ranks through midget AAA before moving to Cape Breton to join the QMJHL’s Screaming Eagles. The long trip east forced cultural and linguistic adjustments but also fast exposure to high‑level junior competition.

In junior he collected trophies and national attention. His standout 2002–03 season included recognition as a top prospect and strong showings at the World Junior Championships, where he helped Canada to silver in 2003 and again in 2004. Those results and his QMJHL resume led Pittsburgh to take him first overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Fleury arrived in the NHL in 2003–04 and became Pittsburgh’s regular starter by 2005–06. During thirteen seasons with the Penguins he experienced deep playoff runs: a trip to the Cup Final in 2008 and a Stanley Cup victory in 2009, followed later by being part of the 2016 and 2017 championship rosters in varying roles. He signed a long‑term contract in the late 2000s and endured the usual ups and downs of a starter, including a season‑ending concussion in 2015–16 after a strong second half.

The 2017 expansion draft moved Fleury to Vegas, where he reached the Final again in 2018. He later had stints in Chicago and joined Minnesota, finishing his playing career and retiring in 2025. Internationally he represented Canada at the junior level twice and earned Olympic gold with the senior team in 2010.

Fleury’s game combined textbook technique with an ability to deliver timely, high‑difficulty saves; his playoff resume includes several standout performances where he single‑handedly altered series momentum. Colloquially known by the nickname "Flower," he leaves a legacy built on longevity and big‑game temperament.