Marc-Andre Fleury Signs Extension With Wild, Says Next Season Will Be His Last

Minnesota Wild netminder Marc-Andre Fleury is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame whenever he decides to hang up his skates. 

While it seemed like this season may have been the last for the man who sits at No.2 behind only Martin Brodeur on the NHL's all-time wins list, he's coming back for one more bite at the proverbial apple.

The Wild announced on Wednesday that Fleury had signed a one-year deal.

"I did talk about it, think about it for a long time this season," Fleury said, per NHL.com. "Many times. I would say early things were a little tough for the team, for me personally. I really thought this was going to be it. ... As the year went on, start winning a bit more, start having some fun a bit more. Still love to compete, love to battle with the guys out there and it’s what’s ultimately driving me to keep living the dream and go for one more.

"A lot of guys have said, guys I know, play as long as you can. If you stop too early you regret it. I'm very lucky to have the support that the Wild are giving me to stick around for one more."

Marc-Andre Fleury has signed a one-year extension with the Minnesota Wild, but says the 2024-25 season will be his last. (Photo by Zak Krill/NHLI via Getty Images)

I'm glad Fleury is sticking around for one more season. His best years are in the rearview mirror, but the man is still without a doubt an NHL-caliber goalie who can still go in and win you a game.

I'm also glad that we know 2024-25 will be his final season because that means we get to watch a Marc-Andre Fleury farewell tour.

There will be tons of tributes, stories about Fleury's infamous pranks, and then my personal favorite part of any farewell tour: awkward gift presentations.

"Hey, remember all those times you beat us in the playoffs? yeah; good times. Anyway, here's some wine and painting for you to take home on the team plane. You're welcome."

Fleury — who will turn 40 in November — was the first overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft. He spent 13 seasons in Pittsburgh where he had his most productive years and was also part of three Cup-winning teams. From there, he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 Expansion Draft and spent four seasons there before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021. The Blackhawks traded him to the Wild at the trade deadline the following season.