Marc-Andre Fleury

Marc-Andre Fleury was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This selection marked an important moment in Fleury's career as he became the cornerstone goaltender for the Penguins' franchise. Despite being a widely anticipated choice, the move also came with immense expectations as Fleury was one of the few goalies to be picked first overall.

On June 12, 2009, Marc-Andre Fleury won his first Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins after defeating the Detroit Red Wings in a thrilling seven-game series. Fleury was crucial in the Penguins' victory, making a key save on Nicklas Lidstrom in the final seconds of Game 7, securing the 2-1 win for his team. This championship was especially significant for Fleury, solidifying his status as a top goaltender.

Marc-Andre Fleury became a two-time Stanley Cup champion as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the San Jose Sharks to win the 2016 Stanley Cup Final. Though he did not play the entirety of the playoffs due to concussion issues, Fleury was a pivotal figure during the regular season and played in the early playoff rounds. His presence and leadership on the team were invaluable during their run to another championship.

Marc-Andre Fleury achieved his third Stanley Cup victory with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017. The Penguins faced the Nashville Predators in the final, winning the series in six games. Fleury shared goaltending duties with Matt Murray throughout the playoffs, showcasing his adaptability and team-first attitude. His role in the locker room and on the ice was crucial to the Penguins' back-to-back championships.

On June 21, 2017, Marc-Andre Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft. The selection of Fleury was a major acquisition for the newly formed team and provided them with a veteran, three-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender. Fleury quickly became the face of the franchise, bringing leadership, experience, and skill to help guide the team during its inaugural season.

In the 2017-2018 NHL season, Marc-Andre Fleury and the Vegas Golden Knights made a surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final. As a key player, Fleury's excellent performance in the playoffs was instrumental in the Golden Knights' success, though they were eventually defeated by the Washington Capitals. Fleury's experience and skill were on full display, earning him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in the league.

Marc-Andre Fleury signed a three-year contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights on June 20, 2018, ensuring his presence on the team through the 2021-2022 NHL season. The extension was seen as a vote of confidence in Fleury's abilities and leadership, as he continued to be a foundational player for the Golden Knights. Under his goaltending, the team aimed to build on their early success.

Marc-Andre Fleury played his 800th NHL game on August 3, 2020, a testament to his longevity and durability as a professional athlete. Over his career, Fleury had established himself as a reliable and skilled goaltender. His consistent performance over such a long span highlighted his importance to each team he played for, first with the Pittsburgh Penguins and then with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Marc-Andre Fleury was awarded the Vezina Trophy on June 29, 2021, as the NHL's best goaltender for the season. This accolade was a significant personal achievement for Fleury, underscoring his outstanding performance with a .928 save percentage and 1.98 goals-against average during the regular season. Winning the Vezina capped off an impressive season and career milestone for the veteran goaltender.

Marc-Andre Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on July 27, 2021, in a move that surprised many fans and analysts. The trade marked the end of Fleury's remarkable tenure with the Vegas Golden Knights and the beginning of a new chapter with the Blackhawks. Despite anticipating a potential retirement, Fleury decided to continue his career and embraced the opportunity to play in Chicago.