Marc-André Fleury gets five offers to un-retire as NHL faces goalie shortage

The 2025 NHL free agency kicked off with a surprising twist, teams are racing for goaltenders amid a sudden shortage. With top NHL goalies off the market and limited free agents available, desperate franchises are now eyeing even retired legends like Marc-André Fleury.

The unexpected goalie crisis has quickly become the biggest storyline of this year’s NHL offseason.

Goaltender shortage sparks NHL panic as teams reach out to retired Marc-André Fleury

Goaltenders have become one of the hottest commodities in the 2025 NHL offseason. With the Florida Panthers lifting their second straight Stanley Cup, teams quickly turned to free agency to stay competitive. However, the limited number of experienced goaltenders available has sparked desperation across the league.According to the Associated Press' Stephen Whyno, fewer than a dozen goalies from the 2024-25 season were available in free agency. That’s alarmingly low for a league with 32 teams all needing depth between the pipes. The shortage became even more evident when Marc-André Fleury’s agent, Allan Walsh, revealed that five teams reached out on July 1 asking if the retired goaltender would consider returning.

Fleury, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and Vezina Trophy winner, retired after the 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Wild.

Despite a first-round playoff exit against the Vegas Golden Knights, his career ended with immense respect. Yet, the fact that teams were willing to offer him one-year deals days after retirement highlights just how desperate the market has become.While Fleury has no intention of returning, his brief stint with Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship likely added to speculation. Teams saw an opening and took their shot—but were ultimately turned down.In the meantime, goalie movement across the NHL has been rapid. John Gibson was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, while Dan Vladar signed with the Flyers and David Rittich joined the Islanders. The Devils extended Jake Allen on a five-year, $9 million contract, and the Canucks kept Thatcher Demko.Also Read: Patrik Laine breaks tradition with bold pink suit at glamorous Palm beach wedding to Jordan LeighThe Edmonton Oilers, despite back-to-back Eastern Conference Final appearances, remain a cautionary tale. Stuart Skinner’s playoff inconsistency, especially his six-goal Game 1 collapse against the Kings exposed their goaltending vulnerability.