History of Marc-André Fleury in Timeline
Marc-André Fleury is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Minnesota Wild. Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003, he achieved significant milestones during his career, including winning three Stanley Cup championships with the Penguins and becoming the third goaltender in NHL history to reach 500 victories. Known for his exceptional skills and accomplishments, Fleury is regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders of his generation.
November 28, 1984: Birth of Marc-André Fleury
Marc-André Fleury, a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, was born on November 28, 1984.
1998: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament
As a youth, Marc-André Fleury played in the 1998 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
2000: Start of QMJHL Career
Marc-André Fleury began his junior ice hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in 2000.
2002: Strong QMJHL Performance
Marc-André Fleury had a strong 2002-2003 season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, earning QMJHL Second Team All-Star honors.
October 10, 2003: NHL Debut
Marc-André Fleury made his NHL debut on October 10, 2003, against the Los Angeles Kings at 18 years old.
2003: Drafted into the NHL
In 2003, Marc-André Fleury was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Entry Draft.
2003: World Junior Championship Silver Medal
Marc-André Fleury represented Canada at the World Junior Championships and won a silver medal in 2003.
2003: Fleury Named Top Goaltender and Tournament MVP at World Juniors
Marc-André Fleury represented Team Canada at the 2003 IIHF World Junior Championships in Halifax. Despite Canada's 3-2 loss to Russia in the gold medal game, Fleury's outstanding performance, which included a 1.57 goals-against average, earned him the titles of Top Goaltender and tournament MVP.
2003: First Overall Pick in the NHL Draft
Marc-André Fleury was chosen first overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
January 29, 2004: Returned to the QMJHL
Fleury was sent back to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) on January 29, 2004, due to financial difficulties for the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise.
2004: AHL Performance During Lockout
During the 2004-2005 NHL lockout, Fleury played with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League (AHL), posting a 26-19-4 record.
2004: NHL Career Before the 2004-2005 Lockout
Marc-André Fleury played in the NHL before the 2004-2005 lockout.
2004: Second World Junior Championship Silver Medal
Marc-André Fleury won a second consecutive silver medal with Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2004.
2005: Return to NHL after Lockout
When NHL play resumed in the 2005-2006 season, Fleury started in the minors but was called up by Pittsburgh.
2006: Fleury Misses Playoffs with Pittsburgh
In 2006, Marc-André Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs, marking the last time Fleury would miss the postseason before his streak ended in 2024.
2007: Start of 2007-2008 Season
Marc-André Fleury started the 2007-2008 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
January 25, 2008: Jersey Retirement
The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles retired Marc-André Fleury's jersey number 29 on January 25, 2008.
2008: Stanley Cup Finals and Equipment Change
Fleury and the Penguins reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008, where they lost to the Detroit Red Wings. During this season, Fleury changed the color of his goaltending equipment from yellow to white.
2008: Fleury's Regular Season Performance
In the 2008-2009 NHL season, Marc-André Fleury achieved a record of 35 wins, 18 losses, and 7 ties, significantly contributing to the Penguins securing the fourth position in the Eastern Conference. This successful run earned them a spot in the playoffs as the defending champions of the Prince of Wales Trophy.
December 30, 2009: Fleury Named to Team Canada for 2010 Winter Olympics
On December 30, 2009, Marc-André Fleury was selected to represent Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Although he did not play in the tournament due to the goaltending duties being shared by Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo, Fleury still received a gold medal as part of the Canadian team that defeated the United States 3-2 in a thrilling final.
2009: Fleury's Season and Playoff Performance
During the 2009-2010 NHL season, Marc-André Fleury achieved a 37-21-6 record, contributing to the Pittsburgh Penguins' fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Although the team advanced past the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs, they faced an unexpected defeat against the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, marking the final game at the Mellon Arena. Despite the early exit, Fleury maintained a commendable 2.78 goals-against average during the playoffs.
2009: First Stanley Cup Victory
Marc-André Fleury won his first Stanley Cup championship with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
2009: Fleury's Playoff Performance
Throughout the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, Marc-André Fleury demonstrated exceptional skills, particularly during the first round against the Philadelphia Flyers. His notable performance in Game 2 included a crucial toe save against Jeff Carter, ultimately helping the Penguins tie and later win the game. Fleury's strong performance carried into Game 4 with 43 saves, securing a 3-1 series lead. Despite a setback in Game 5, Fleury led the Penguins to a 5-3 victory in Game 6. Fleury's contributions were instrumental in the team's triumph against the Washington Capitals in the second round, culminating in a decisive 6-2 victory in game seven. He continued his strong performance against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Conference Finals. Despite being pulled in game five of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings, Fleury made a remarkable save in game six against Dan Cleary, securing a 2-1 lead and forcing a game seven. In the final game, Fleury's critical saves, including a last-second stop against Nicklas Lidström, helped the Penguins clinch their third Stanley Cup victory.
2010: Fleury Carries Injured Penguins to Playoffs
In the 2010-2011 NHL season, with key players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin sidelined due to injuries, Marc-André Fleury and the Penguins' defense took on a greater responsibility in leading the team to the playoffs. Fleury ended the season with a 36-20-5 record, helping the Penguins secure the fourth position in the Eastern Conference. Despite Fleury's efforts and an initial 3-1 series lead, the Penguins were defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in a seven-game series during the first round of the playoffs. Fleury concluded the series with a .899 save percentage.
2010: Seven-Year Contract with the Penguins
Marc-André Fleury signed a seven-year, \$35 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 3, 2010.
2010: Olympic Gold Medal
Marc-André Fleury won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
2010: Canada Wins Gold at 2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver saw Team Canada, including Marc-André Fleury, emerge victorious. The team's triumph culminated in a 3-2 win over the United States in the gold medal game, securing Canada's place at the top of the podium.
2011: Fleury's Record-Breaking Season and Playoff Disappointment
Throughout the 2011-2012 NHL season, Marc-André Fleury emerged as the primary goaltender due to the struggles of backup goaltenders Brent Johnson and Brad Thiessen. Playing in 67 games and starting 23 consecutive games before the All-Star break, Fleury concluded the season with an impressive 42 wins, securing the second position in the league, only surpassed by Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators. Despite his outstanding regular season performance, Fleury encountered difficulties during the playoffs. The Philadelphia Flyers eliminated the Penguins in the first round, with Fleury recording an .834 save percentage and a 4.63 goals-against average over six games.
2012: Fleury's Strong Regular Season and Playoff Struggles
Following the NHL lockout, Marc-André Fleury had a strong comeback in the shortened 2012-2013 season, achieving some of his best career statistics. He finished with a 23-8 record, tying for fourth in the league, while maintaining high rankings in save percentage and goals-against average. However, his playoff challenges persisted. Despite a shutout in his initial playoff game, his performance faltered in subsequent starts, leading to backup Tomáš Vokoun taking over for the remainder of the playoffs. The Penguins' promising season ended with a 4-0 defeat against the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the playoff setback, the Penguins reaffirmed Fleury's position as the starting goaltender.
2012: Fleury Marries Véronique Larosee
Marc-André Fleury married his longtime girlfriend, Véronique Larosee, in 2012. Véronique, of Abenaki and Mi'kmaq descent, and Marc-André have since welcomed two daughters and a son into their family.
2013: Fleury Remains Starting Goaltender
Following the conclusion of the 2012-2013 NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed that Marc-André Fleury would retain his role as the team's starting goaltender for the upcoming season.
2013: Fleury's Consistent Regular Season and Playoff Improvement
In the 2013-2014 NHL season, Marc-André Fleury delivered another consistent regular season performance, mirroring his previous year's success. He concluded the season with a 39-18-5 record, accompanied by a .915 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average. Despite a notable improvement in his playoff performance compared to the previous year, the Penguins were defeated in the second round by the New York Rangers, surrendering an early 3-1 series advantage.
November 5, 2014: Fleury Signs Contract Extension with Penguins
On November 5, 2014, Marc-André Fleury secured a four-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins, worth an average annual value of $5.75 million.
November 18, 2014: Fleury Earns Shutout against Canadiens
On November 18, 2014, Marc-André Fleury achieved his first shutout of the season against the Montreal Canadiens. He made 27 saves, leading the Penguins to a 4-0 victory and securing his league-leading fourth shutout of the season.
November 24, 2014: Fleury Achieves 300th NHL Win
On November 24, 2014, Marc-André Fleury etched his name in NHL history by recording his 300th NHL victory. This accomplishment distinguished him as the third-youngest and third-fastest player to reach this significant milestone.
2015: Fleury's Impressive Season Cut Short by Concussion
During the 2015-2016 NHL season, Marc-André Fleury showcased an impressive performance in the latter half, despite the team's early struggles that led to coaching changes. He finished the season with a commendable 35 wins in 58 games played. Unfortunately, a season-ending concussion cut his season short.
2016: Fleury Returns from Injury, Penguins Win Stanley Cup
Although the Pittsburgh Penguins secured their place in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, Marc-André Fleury's participation was hindered by post-concussion syndrome until Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, he replaced Matt Murray at the start of the third period. Fleury then started Game 5, which the Penguins narrowly lost in overtime. Subsequently, Fleury was benched in favor of Murray. The Penguins went on to capture the Stanley Cup with Murray as their starting goaltender, defeating the San Jose Sharks in six games.
2016: Fleury Leads Penguins in Playoffs, Wins Third Stanley Cup
In the 2016-2017 NHL season, Marc-André Fleury participated in 38 games, recording 18 wins. Following an injury to Matt Murray during warm-ups of Game 1 of the playoffs against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Fleury stepped in as the starting goaltender, leading the Penguins to a 3-1 victory. His exceptional performance, including 49 saves on 51 shots in Game 5, propelled the Penguins to a 4-1 series win against the Blue Jackets. With Murray sidelined, Fleury continued as the starting goaltender, leading the Penguins through the second round against the Washington Capitals, who had won the Presidents' Trophy for two consecutive seasons. The Penguins triumphed over the Capitals in a hard-fought seven-game series, with Fleury achieving a shutout in Game 7. Advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins faced a setback with a 5-1 loss in Game 3. Consequently, the team opted to reinstate a healthy Murray as the starting goaltender. Murray maintained his role throughout the remainder of the playoffs, leading the Penguins to a Stanley Cup championship victory against the Nashville Predators in six games. This victory marked the third Stanley Cup win of Fleury's career.
2016: Second Stanley Cup Victory
Marc-André Fleury won his second Stanley Cup championship with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016.
June 21, 2017: Traded to Vegas Golden Knights
On June 21, 2017, Marc-André Fleury waived his no-trade clause and was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
October 15, 2017: Placed on Long Term Injury Reserve
After a knee to the head from Anthony Mantha on October 13, 2017, Fleury was placed on Long Term Injury Reserve.
December 10, 2017: Activated off Long Term Injury Reserve
On December 10, 2017, Fleury was activated off Long Term Injury Reserve after missing 25 games.
2017: Third Stanley Cup Victory
Marc-André Fleury won his third Stanley Cup championship with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017.
March 12, 2018: 400th Career Win
Marc-André Fleury achieved his 400th career win on March 12, 2018, after the Golden Knights defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2.
April 17, 2018: Golden Knights Sweep First Round of Playoffs
On April 17, 2018, Fleury and the Golden Knights completed a sweep of the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.
May 20, 2018: Fleury Leads Golden Knights to Conference Finals Victory
On May 20, 2018, Marc-André Fleury led the Golden Knights to victory in the Western Conference Finals against the Winnipeg Jets.
2018: Fleury Re-signs with Golden Knights
In 2018, Fleury re-signed with the Golden Knights on a 3 year contract worth $21 million.
2019: Selected for 2019 All-Star Game
Fleury was selected to represent the Golden Knights in the 2019 NHL All-Star game. This was his second All-Star selection in a row.
2019: Golden Knights Acquire Robin Lehner
In 2019, the Golden Knights traded for Robin Lehner, who would share the net with Fleury.
2019: Mediocre 2019-2020 Campaign
The 2019-2020 season saw Fleury's performance decline from his previous high level of play.
2020: Fleury Returns to Form
In the pandemic-shortened 2020-2021 season, Fleury had a career-best 1.98 goals against average and a .928 save percentage.
2020: Pittsburgh Receives 2020 Draft Pick
In 2020, The Pittsburgh Penguins received a second round pick in the entry draft as part of the trade that sent Fleury to the Golden Knights.
2020: Fleury Serves as Backup in Playoffs
In the 2020 playoffs, Fleury served primarily as Lehner's backup as the Golden Knights returned to the conference finals.
July 27, 2021: Traded to Chicago Blackhawks
On July 27, 2021, Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Mikael Hakkarainen.
November 1, 2021: Fleury Records First Win as a Blackhawk
Marc-André Fleury got his first win with the Chicago Blackhawks on November 1, 2021, against the Ottawa Senators. The Blackhawks won 5-1.
2021: Fleury Wins Vezina and Jennings Trophies
In 2021, Fleury was named to the Second All-Star Team and was awarded his first Vezina Trophy and first William M. Jennings Trophy.
2021: Awarded the Vezina and Jennings Trophies
Marc-André Fleury received the William M. Jennings Trophy and the Vezina Trophy in 2021.
January 8, 2022: First Goaltender to Beat All 32 Teams
On January 8, 2022, Fleury became the first goaltender in NHL history to beat all 32 teams with a win against the Vegas Golden Knights.
March 21, 2022: Traded to Minnesota Wild
On March 21, 2022, Fleury was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a conditional 2022 second-round pick.
July 7, 2022: Fleury Signs Extension with Wild
On July 7, 2022, Fleury signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension to remain with the Wild.
2022: Blackhawks' Rebuild Sparks Trade Speculation
The Chicago Blackhawks began to rebuild in 2022, leading to speculation that Fleury would be traded.
November 2023: NHL Forbids Fleury from Wearing Custom Mask Honoring Wife's Heritage
In November 2023, a controversy arose when the NHL prohibited Marc-André Fleury from wearing a custom-designed mask during his team's Native American Heritage Night. The mask, intended as a tribute to Fleury's wife Véronique Larosee's Abenaki and Mi'kmaq heritage, faced opposition from the league, which threatened fines for both Fleury and the team if the mask was worn. Despite this, Fleury donned the helmet during warm-ups as a gesture of support, though he did not start the game.
2023: Last Active Goaltender from Pre-Lockout Era
Following Craig Anderson's retirement in 2023, Fleury became the last active goaltender to have played in the NHL before the 2004-2005 lockout.
December 31, 2023: Fleury Plays 1,000th NHL Game
On December 31, 2023, Marc-André Fleury achieved a significant milestone by playing his 1,000th NHL game, becoming only the fourth goaltender in NHL history to reach this impressive feat.
January 15, 2024: Fleury Becomes Second-Winningest Goaltender in NHL History
Marc-André Fleury secured his 552nd career win on January 15, 2024, during the Wild's 5-0 victory against the New York Islanders. This victory marked a historic moment as he surpassed Patrick Roy to become the second-winningest goaltender in NHL history.
April 9, 2024: Wild's Playoff Elimination Ends Fleury's 17-Year Streak
The Wild's elimination from playoff contention on April 9, 2024, marked the end of Marc-André Fleury's impressive 17-year playoff streak. The last time Fleury missed the playoffs was in 2006 during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins.