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NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins not likely to move Marc-Andre Fleury before deadline

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins likely won’t trade goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury before the NHL trade deadline. 

One of the most intriguing storylines of the 2016-17 NHL season has been the Pittsburgh Penguins and their goaltending situation. They have two quality goaltenders in 2016-17 Stanley Cup hero Matt Murray and the 2003 first overall pick Marc-Andre Fleury. With the former grabbing the starting job, the latter has been the subject of many trade rumors. However, it’s not likely the Penguins will trade Fleury before the NHL trade deadline.

Penguins fans might be slightly upset at this, and rightfully so. Pittsburgh basically has to get rid of Fleury or convince him to waive his no movement clause at the expansion draft. If they don’t, they’ll be forced to either expose Murray or forfeit draft picks as punishment.

However, not trading Fleury makes a lot of sense for the Penguins. Goaltending is a commodity in the NHL, especially in the postseason. Pittsburgh has two quality goaltenders while most other teams only have one. Trading Fleury would be a very risky and potentially short-sighted move. Let’s suppose Murray suffers an injury. Unless Pittsburgh made a move for another goaltender to serve as his backup, they’d be in huge trouble.

The Penguins are going all-in to defend their Stanley Cup. Sure, trading Fleury makes sense long-term. But short term? It makes very little sense. Fleury provides the Penguins with very valuable depth if he’s needed. Goaltending depth is like a smoke alarm. You don’t realize how much you need it until, well, you need it. And if you have one, you’ll be thankful you have it. However, if you don’t, you’ll wish you did.

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Fleury deserves one last Stanley Cup run before he gets traded or bought out in the offseason. Even if he’s willing to waive his no movement clause, his contract doesn’t justify being a backup. Keep in mind Murray’s deal kicks in next season. The Penguins owe it to Fleury to hang onto him. And it’s a smart move as well.

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