"A couple teams asked, but..." Marc-Andre Fleury puts NHL comeback rumors to rest while keeping fans guessing about his next move

Marc-Andre Fleury's NHL return rumors refuse to fade, even months after the beloved goaltender last stepped onto the NHL ice. The questions have followed him from city to city, from reunion nights to quiet offseason moments.

Fans still see the spark. They still wonder if the competitive fire burns strong enough for one final run. Fleury understands that curiosity, because he feels it too, even if the answer is no longer simple.The future Hall of Famer recently found himself back in Pittsburgh, the place where his journey began as the first overall pick in 2003. One exhibition game was all it took to reopen the conversation. A packed arena. Old teammates. Familiar cheers. That night felt like a closing chapter, yet it stirred a different discussion across the league. Was that really the end, or just a pause?

Marc-Andre Fleury's NHL return speculation meets reality

Fleury has heard the noise and he has addressed it with the same honesty that defined his career.

Teams did reach out. The interest was real. So was his response."Probably not. A couple teams asked. But I just said, 'No.' It's tough for some reasons."

Those words carry weight. They suggest a man at peace with his choice, yet thoughtful about what comes next. Fleury has not played since that September exhibition against Columbus, and his body of work already speaks loudly. Last season with Minnesota, his final official year, he posted a 14-9-1 record with a .899 save percentage, proving he could still compete at the highest level.

While a comeback seems unlikely, Fleury is not stepping away from the game entirely. His connection with the Wild remains strong, and his curiosity about the sport’s inner workings is growing."Billy said come whenever. I get to meet the scouts, player development, the coaches. It's good to see that side of the business, right? Then maybe next season I can fit somewhere." That openness hints at a new chapter, one shaped by experience rather than pads and masks.

His resume needs no polish. With 575 career wins across four franchises, Fleury ranks second all time among NHL goaltenders, trailing only his childhood hero Martin Brodeur. Three Stanley Cups, a historic run with Vegas in 2018, and a legacy built on joy and resilience have already secured his place in hockey history.In Pittsburgh, his No. 29 will almost certainly rise to the rafters. Whether behind the scenes or simply as a mentor to the next generation, Fleury’s presence will still be felt. The door to the crease may be closing, but his impact on the game is far from over.