NHL

NHL News: In first months of retirement, Sidney Crosby’s iconic teammate Marc-Andre Fleury snubs Blackhawks in latest charity venture

Shortly after stepping away from the NHL, Marc-André Fleury unveiled a new charitable venture that nods to his past with Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins, among others—but noticeably leaves out the Chicago Blackhawks, raising eyebrows around the league.

 Marc-Andre Fleury of the Minnesota Wild plays EA Sports' "NHL 23" video game during the 2022 NHL player media tour at Encore Las Vegas on September 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
© Ethan Miller/Getty Images Marc-Andre Fleury of the Minnesota Wild plays EA Sports' "NHL 23" video game during the 2022 NHL player media tour at Encore Las Vegas on September 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marc-Andre Fleury hasn’t been retired from the NHL for over five months that he’s seemingly already forgotten about one of the teams he played for. Needless to say, he didn’t snub Sidney Crosby‘s Pittsburgh Penguins from his latest venture. Was overlooking the Chicago Blackhawks on purpose or an honest mistake?

Fleury has built a reputation around the NHL for being the ultimate prankster. Thus as he left out the Blackhawks from his most recent entrepreneurship, fans can’t help but wonder if it’s a part of a mischievous plan.

The former Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild goaltender has recently launched a new campaign. Notice we left out the Blackhawks, that’s only because Fleury did so first.

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“Marc-Andre Fleury has launched a limited edition vodka from his hometown in Quebec–featuring bottles for three teams he played on. All proceeds go to charity,” @GinoHard_ posted on X.

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks defends the net against the Boston Bruins on March 15, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks defends the net against the Boston Bruins on March 15, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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The bottles are customizable and come in three options, each nodding to Fleury’s former teams: the Penguins, Golden Knights, and Wild. Notably absent is the Blackhawks, where he played 45 games during the 2020–21 NHL season.

NHL News: Sidney Crosby’s legendary teammate reportedly determined to take over Penguins’ ownership amid turbulent years

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Shutting the door on rumors

While the unease in the Windy City won’t simple fade away, it’s safe to say Chicago has much bigger concerns around the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Fleury’s collab might be the final nail in the coffin of the rumored return to the NHL.

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Reports indicate several teams have knocked on the three-time Stanley Cup champion’s door, only to be politely turned away by his agent. The vodka bottles commemorating Fleury’s career seem to be strong evidence that his time as a professional goaltender may have truly come to an end.

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After Pittsburgh, where did Fleury play his best hockey of his career?

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“You talked about the goalie market this year,” Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, admitted earlier in the offseason. “Five teams calling and they were prepared to make serious offers on one-year deals to entice ‘Flower’ to their city.”

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