NHL Rumors: Marc-Andre Fleury Linked To 2 Western Conference Teams

The Chicago Blackhawks made several moves this offseason in an attempt to make a playoff run, most notably signing defenseman Seth Jones and trading for goalie Marc Andre-Fleury, but regardless, the Blackhawks find themselves in 7th place in the Central Division at just 15-18-6. The further the Blackhawks fall from playoff contention, the better the chances are that he will be moved ahead of the deadline according to Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic, with Fleury ultimately having a partial say in where he lands, as he has a 10-team no-trade list as part of his contract. The former Vezina winner might also opt not to play rather than move to another city, as he reportedly contemplated retirement this offseason ahead of eventually agreeing to play for the Chicago Blackhawks, but if it's a chance at a ring that drove Fleury to continue, then perhaps he will flourish in a different uniform.

Two teams that should be inquiring about Fleury's services are the Edmonton Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche, as both teams have dealt with injuries to their starting goaltenders, and the 18-year veteran could provide the steady presence in net both teams have been looking for. The Avalanche's starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper left Monday's game with an injury and missed time in December with an upper-body injury, as well. Marc-Andre Fleury (2.69 GAA, .916 SV%) is also posting better numbers despite playing with an inferior team compared to Kuemper (2.72 GAA, .908 SV%) even when he is healthy.

The argument for Edmonton is a little more obvious, the team is struggling and Mike Smith has only been healthy enough to play six games this season. Inserting Marc-Andre Fleury would not only improve their chances at stopping the puck, but his veteran presence would be a welcome addition to a young team that still shows signs of immaturity and is not ready to win a Stanley Cup as currently constructed.

Keep an eye on the Blackhawks win/loss record for the latest indications on the Marc-Andre Fleury situation.