PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) Ever since the Penguins season ended back in May, there has been speculation around Pittsburgh about ways to improve the Goaltending situation. Though, Brian Burke and Ron Hextall have been hesitant in talks about upgrading in net.
Many believe that the future number one goalie for the franchise should be the former netminder and three-time Stanley Cup Champion, Marc-Andre Fleury.
Pierre McGuire joined The PM Team for his weekly segment and thinks that the love for Fleury in Pittsburgh might even be eclipsed by the love for the face of the one of the newest NHL franchises out in Las Vegas. Especially when that love comes from the man who signs his checks.
"I personally don't think he'll be put to market and that's because of the way ownership and management feel towards him, especially ownership... so I would be surprised if he were put to market."
McGuire recounted memories from his experience hosting the Vegas expansion draft party in which he spoke to the owner of the Golden Knights, Bill Foley.
"I remember Mr. Foley saying, 'this guy is the face and the voice of our franchise' I remember him saying that and I was like wow, Marc-Andre's in a good spot right now because this owner has got power and he's got money and he really cares about this player."
Vegas may have to choose between both of their highly paid goalies. The 36 year old Fleury will be making 7 million for the 2021-22 season, the last of his contract. While Robin Lehner is due 5 million over each of the next 4 years and is 7 years younger. When asked if these high cap hits will force the hand of the Golden Knights, Pierre responded with insight to the Vegas cap situation.
"It's going to be very tough because they have a huge free-agent on their roster right now in Alec Martinez who is a very important player on their team."
When you couple the cap situation with the struggles Fleury had in the semi-final series against Montreal in which he was replaced by Lehner. Not to mention his stick-handling gaffe in game three which rivaled that of Tristan Jarry in the Penguins game five loss to the Islanders. This may leave an opening for a goalie needy team such as the Penguins to strike.
As Pierre added about the situation, "You never know."