Vegas Golden Knights: Marc-Andre Fleury Signs Three-Year Extension
The Flower wasted no time signing a new deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Vegas Golden Knights have had a busy offseason. Signing the likes of their own in Ryan Reaves and bringing in fresh faces such as Paul Stastny and Nick Holden. Although, there’s still work that needs to be done.
Golden Knights general manager George McPhee still needs to re-sign restricted free agents William Karlsson, Tomas Nosek and Shea Theodore. All were critical pieces that made the Golden Knights successful in their inaugural season. I wouldn’t sweat that one out, Golden Knights fans. However, Vegas Golden Knights fans should be happy about today’s team news.
On Friday morning, the Vegas Golden Knights and Marc-Andre Fleury agreed on a three-year contract extension. Fleury already has one year left at 5.75 million dollars, but now he has some sense of security in place. The Sorel, Quebec native’s new deal is worth seven million dollars on the cap over the next three seasons.
With Fleury back in the fold for the next four seasons, the team now has long-term stability in the crease. Malcolm Subban is still a work in progress, but learning from the Flower will only help him develop into a better goalie. That’s just one of the many reasons why this Fleury contract is beneficial for Vegas.
The 33-year old netminder had an incredible season with the Golden Knights in 2017-18 despite being sidelined with a concussion early on in the year. He played in 46 games and compiled a 29-13-4 record with a 2.24 GAA, a .927 SV% and four shutouts. If it weren’t for his concussion back in October, he would have had a great shot at winning the Vezina trophy as the leagues best goaltender.
He brings a great mix of athleticism and skill level to the crease for the Golden Knights. Fleury is by far the most exciting goaltender to watch today. The number of highlight reel saves Fleury made over the course of his career is insane.
Fleury also plays a huge role in the dressing room. He’s one of the Golden Knights best leaders, and when he talks, everyone listens. But let’s not forget he has a hilarious sense of humor and loves to crack jokes. Media likes him, players admire him, and the fans love him.
Just check out his run for the Golden Knights during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 20 postseason games, he put together a 13-7 record, with a 2.24 GAA, .927 SV% and four shutouts. Fleury stood on his head on multiple occasions during the Golden Knights quest for the Cup.
Furthermore, Fleury is the single most crucial piece to the puzzle for the Golden Knights in the present and beyond. Without him, who knows where this team would’ve ended in the standings.
Next: Vegas Golden Knights Inaugural Season Final Grades: Jonathan Marchessault
All in all, it’s great that Marc-Andre Fleury is back with the Vegas Golden Knights for the long term. We do know one thing; the Vegas crease is set for the next four years. But now the Golden Knights have to shift their focus back on the three remaining RFA’s.