Buffalo Sabres are a dark-horse to sign Marc-Andre Fleury
One major sports network predicted longtime NHL goaltender Mark-Andre Fleury will sign with the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23.
In a previous article, I laid out projections for the Buffalo Sabres five primary goalies next season. But, you may have noticed that I didn’t really come out and say anyone would be a starter. Of the five, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has the best chance overall, despite an unconvincing 2021-22 season.
He is also injury-prone and it would be a mistake to just hand him the job. Especially with higher expectations for the Sabres heading into 2022-23. That said, the Sabres will go out and sign a veteran.
The question is: Who? The Bleacher Report may have our answer: The ageless Marc-Andre Fleury’s name has been thrown around. Fleury, who will turn 38 in November, is no longer the player he was. But he may be the stopgap the Sabres need. Especially with Luukkonen struggling with durability.
Is Marc-Andre Fleury the next stopgap goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres?
He will come at a hefty price tag, even as he enters his 19th NHL season. But given the Sabres immense cap space, Fleury would be a great stopgap until a franchise goaltender comes to town, perhaps Devon Levi.
And while the Bleacher Report stopped short of naming the Sabres contenders, they did acknowledge the team’s improvement, which could lure Fleury to the club. Especially if he wants to play for a franchise that has potential to contend for a postseason berth.
Further, Luukkonen could benefit from watching Fleury in the net for at least a season. We all know that Luukkonen’s growth has stagnated because of injuries and inconsistencies. So having a former Stanley Cup winner like Fleury around could catapult his development.
Overall, Fleury is worth the luxurious price tag if it means mentoring Luukkonen or another young goaltender. He also played well enough last season (28-23-5) to prove that he can still step in and perform well, even as his career reaches its twilight stage.
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He is also a leader, which is something a young team like the Sabres need. Kyle Okposo is a great fit for the role, but the Sabres as a unit would further benefit with Fleury’s presence.