Marc-Andre Fleury Retires: Career Stats and Legacy

There are athletes you respect for their skill, and then there are athletes you genuinely root for, even when they’re playing against your team. Marc-André Fleury somehow managed to be both, with a career that spanned 21 NHL seasons, three Stanley Cups, and a smile that became as iconic as his glove save; he officially retired in 2025, leaving behind a legacy that feels as much about character as it does about his 575 wins.

Stanley Cups: 3 ·
Wins: 575 ·
Shutouts: 79 ·
Vezina Trophies: 1 ·
Height: 6’2″

Nine key facts about Fleury’s career, one pattern: a goaltender who combined elite longevity with a personality that made him impossible to dislike.

Is Fleury retiring?

Yes. Marc-André Fleury announced his retirement in June 2024 and played his final NHL game on May 6, 2025, ending a 21-season career with the Minnesota Wild. NHL.com described the reality of retirement as still “sinking in” for the 40-year-old goaltender.

When did Fleury announce his retirement?

Fleury made his retirement public in June 2024, ahead of what would become his final season. He entered the 2024-25 campaign knowing it would be his last, and the NHL.com coverage noted that the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and fans across the league all participated in a season-long farewell.

What are Fleury’s post-retirement plans?

Fleury has not announced a specific post-retirement role, though speculation points to a potential front-office position with the Minnesota Wild. His final season with the Wild included a 1.98 goals-against average and .928 save percentage — both career bests, according to NHL.com.

Fleury leaves behind a legacy that balances elite statistics with an irreplaceable personality.

Why Is Marc-Andre Fleury So Loved?

Fleury’s popularity goes far beyond his save percentage. Fans and teammates consistently point to his playful personality, his infectious smile, and his willingness to embrace the lighter side of hockey. He was known for pranks in the locker room and genuine warmth with fans, creating a connection that crossed team lines.

What made Fleury a fan favorite?

• His smile and visible joy while playing
• Sportsmanship — he was respected even by opponents
• Community involvement and approachability
• Longevity and loyalty to the game

The NHL.com retirement coverage emphasized Fleury’s reputation as a professional admired across multiple teams and fan bases. Wild forward Ryan Hartman called him a “Hall of Famer” in the same report.

How did Fleury interact with fans?

Fleury was known for signing autographs, joking with fans during warmups, and never seeming too busy for a moment of connection. His final appearance in Pittsburgh — where the Penguins honored him after the game — became an emotional highlight of his farewell tour, as documented by NHL.com.

That combination of excellence and approachability made him a once-in-a-generation figure in hockey.

How Many Stanley Cups Does Marc-Andre Fleury Have?

Fleury won three Stanley Cups, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The championships came in 2009, 2016, and 2017, cementing his place as one of the most successful goaltenders of his generation.

Which years did Fleury win the Stanley Cup?

• 2009: Fleury made the iconic final save against the Detroit Red Wings to seal the Cup
• 2016: Back-to-back championships began with a win over the San Jose Sharks
• 2017: The Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators for a repeat title

All three championships are confirmed by NHL.com and ESPN.

The pattern: Fleury was the backbone of a Penguins dynasty that defined the 2010s. His ability to deliver in clutch moments — especially the 2009 save — became part of NHL lore.

Are Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury Friends?

Yes. Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury were teammates on the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2005 to 2017, and they have remained close friends since. Their bond is one of the most celebrated friendships in modern hockey.

How did the friendship between Crosby and Fleury develop?

Both were high-profile draft picks — Crosby first overall in 2005, Fleury first overall in 2003 — and they grew up together in the NHL. Fleury has frequently praised Crosby’s leadership, calling him the best player in the world. The friendship was forged through three Stanley Cup runs and countless shared moments in the Penguins locker room.

Have they played together after Pittsburgh?

No. Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 expansion draft, ending his time with Crosby in Pittsburgh. However, the two have remained close, and Crosby was among those who paid tribute to Fleury during his retirement tour.

Their enduring friendship underscores how Fleury’s character transcends rivalry and team boundaries.

What Are Marc-Andre Fleury’s Career Statistics and Legacy?

Fleury’s career numbers place him among the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. He finished with 575 wins, 79 shutouts, and a .912 save percentage over 21 seasons, according to ESPN.

What are Fleury’s all-time ranks in wins and shutouts?

• Wins: 575 — third all-time in NHL history
• Shutouts: 79 — among the top 15 all-time
• Games played: Over 1,000 regular-season games

His 2024-25 season was statistically his best: a 1.98 goals-against average and .928 save percentage, both career highs, as reported by NHL.com.

What records does Fleury hold?

• Most wins by a goaltender born in Quebec
• Most games played by a goaltender in Penguins history
• First overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft (ESPN)

Fleury also won the Vezina Trophy in 2021 with the Vegas Golden Knights, recognizing him as the league’s best goaltender that season.

The implication: Fleury’s career arc — from first-overall pick to expansion draft castoff to Vezina winner — is unprecedented. He proved that a goaltender’s best years can come after a team decides to move on from him.

Timeline: Marc-Andre Fleury’s Career

• 2003: Drafted 1st overall by Pittsburgh Penguins (ESPN)
• 2004: NHL debut
• 2009: First Stanley Cup championship (NHL.com)
• 2016: Second Stanley Cup
• 2017: Third Stanley Cup; selected by Vegas Golden Knights in expansion draft
• 2021: Won Vezina Trophy with Vegas (NHL.com)
• 2022: Traded to Chicago Blackhawks
• 2023: Traded to Minnesota Wild
• June 2024: Announced retirement
• May 6, 2025: Final NHL game

This chronology shows a career defined by longevity, adaptability, and championship success.

Confirmed Facts vs. What Remains Unclear

Confirmed facts

• Fleury has retired from the NHL after 21 seasons (NHL.com)
• Won 3 Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL.com)
• 575 career wins (ESPN)
• 79 shutouts (ESPN)
• Vezina Trophy winner in 2021 (NHL.com)
• Born November 28, 1984 in Sorel, Quebec (Elite Prospects)

What’s unclear

• Exact post-retirement role with the Wild or another organization
• Definitive all-time ranking among NHL goaltenders (debates ongoing)

While the numbers are settled, the debate about his place among the greatest goaltenders continues.

Quotes on Fleury’s Legacy

“The reality of retirement was still sinking in for him at age 40.”

— NHL.com

“He’s a Hall of Famer.”

— Ryan Hartman, Minnesota Wild forward, via NHL.com

Fleury’s own words on his career have been characteristically humble. He has often credited his teammates and downplayed his individual achievements, a trait that endeared him to fans and media alike.

For the Minnesota Wild and their fans, the choice is clear: honor Fleury’s legacy with a statue or a jersey retirement, or risk letting one of the most beloved players in NHL history slip away without a permanent tribute. The alternative — a quiet exit — would feel out of step with the joy he brought to the game.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Anze Kopitar: Career, Retirement, Family, and Net Worth
• Detroit Red Wings: History, Best Players & Ticket Prices