It seems like yesterday that Penguins fans were calling for Marc-Andre Fleury’s trade. Was it really three years ago when he allowed 30 goals in the playoffs to Philadelphia? And let’s not forget about his lack of judgement in last year’s playoffs against Columbus that extended that series by a game. But then, he has a way of turning it all around and making us forget about those dreadful goals off of his blocker pads and all of us are back on the Flower Wagon. I’d say that Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has gotten on the bandwagon, and in a big way.
Fleury Get’s Four More Years
Marc-Andre Fleury has been given a four year, 23 million dollar contract extension, making him one of the highest paid goalies in the NHL.
“I believe in Marc-Andre Fleury, as the team does,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “He’s won before and he will win again. We’re very pleased to have him signed long term.”
Fleury is arguably the best goalie in Pittsburgh history. Fleury has a franchise-record 295 wins in his 11 seasons, and his 540 games played and 31 shutouts also are franchise bests.
The Penguins are better on Fleury and also don't believe anyone else out there is better. It's pretty much that simple.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) November 5, 2014
It helps that Fleury is off to a hot start. He’s currently 7-2-0, stopping 93% of shots faced, and hasn’t allowed a goal in 154 minutes of ice time. His last three starts have been phenomenal. Pens fans hope that these numbers stay consistent and that Fleury can continue being solid in net. With the Penguins scoring goals and playing great team defense, they are exceeding everyone’s expectations. But it’s early; there is a lot of hockey left to be played.
Forgot Lundqvist in that list as well. So he’s 15th in actual salary. Right in the middle (though is 13th in cap hit).
He’ll actually be 14th. Rask, Rinne, Price, Quick Crawford, Bishop, Ward, Luongo, Smith, Miller, Schneider, Lehtonen, & Varlamov will make more than him.
Do your homework – next year, he’ll be the 13th highest paid goalie in the League – not “one of the highest paid goalies in the NHL”