Marc-Andre Fleury is returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins — on a professional tryout contract, that is.
The Penguins announced Friday morning that Fleury will suit up with the team to participate in a practice on Sept. 26. The 40-year-old is then expected to play in Pittsburgh’s exhibition game against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets the following night.
“The entire Penguins organization is honored to welcome Marc-Andre Fleury back to the ice in Pittsburgh,” said Kyle Dubas, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager.
“This past year everyone witnessed how beloved and respected Marc is in the game of hockey, but the adoration goes beyond his accolades and career. Marc means so much to our team, our fans and the City of Pittsburgh because of the person he is and the example he set. The Penguins feel he and his family are most-deserving of this opportunity to celebrate this full-circle moment back where it all started in front of the black and gold faithful.”
A three-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, Fleury spent his first 13 seasons with the Penguins. He was the recipient of the Vezina Trophy with the Vegas Golden Knights before later playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.
Fleury announced his retirement last spring after 21 NHL seasons. His 575 regular-season wins are second in NHL history behind only Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur (691).
