NHL Rumors: 3 Teams to Watch In Marc-Andre Fleury Sweepstakes

The Marc-Andre Fleury sweepstakes have picked up in a big way as he has full intentions of playing hockey again next season. With the retirement rumors behind him, there's going to be a huge market to get the veteran goalie signed this summer. While it's been a whirlwind couple of seasons for 'The Flower', look for the future hall-of-famer to sign either a one-year or two-year deal this offseason and try to take one more shot at another Stanley Cup. Here's three teams to watch when free agency opens July 13:

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are moving Mike Smith to LTIR and now are going full send on finding a starting netminder who gets the stamp of approval from Connor McDavid. There's nobody more decorated than Fleury on the free-agent market and while the Stanley Cup Playoffs didn't go as planned with the Minnesota Wild, that's not going to stop teams like the Oilers who are getting desperate for help in their crease to make a serious offer. A one-year deal at $6 million is something we could see here as Oilers general manager is on the hot seat to find a new starter for next season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs almost acquired Fleury in-season during the 2021-22 season and could very well be circling back come July 13. The team doesn't appear to be willing to give Jack Campbell the money or term he's looking for so Fleury has become a legit plan B should these talks be completely broken off. Dubas is entering the final season of his current contract and as of right now, any extension talks have been very quiet in Toronto. He's not going down with Petr Mrazek has his starting netminder and already tried to waive him during the first season of his brand new contract. Look for Toronto to make a serious offer for Fleury this summer and would likely be willing to include a second season on the deal.

Colorado Avalanche

The Stanley Cup champion Avalanche will be in tough to re-sign Darcy Kuemper and could turn to Fleury on a short-term deal to try and run it back. NHL.com's senior writer Dan Rosen recently reported on the Avs interest:

If the Avalanche let Kuemper hit the market when it opens on July 13, Fleury could be their No. 1 target. He's a three-time Stanley Cup champion who has gone to the Stanley Cup Final five times. The Avalanche want to make a repeat run and having a goalie with Fleury's experience would give them a chance if they don't re-sign Kuemper.

Keep an eye on these three teams as Fleury is coming back for another season and is looking to win another Stanley Cup before he hangs up the skates for good.