Marc-André Fleury, the veteran goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. With his team’s victory over the Arizona Coyotes on February 22nd, 2021, Fleury secured his 485th career win, placing him second on the all-time wins list in NHL history.
Fleury’s journey to this impressive achievement has been nothing short of exceptional. Born on November 28th, 1984, in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, Canada, Fleury was destined for greatness from an early age. He quickly established himself as a standout goaltender during his junior hockey career with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
In 2003, Fleury’s exceptional talent caught the attention of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who selected him as the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft. This marked the beginning of a long and successful tenure with the Penguins, where he would spend the first 13 seasons of his NHL career.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Fleury played a pivotal role in leading the Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017. His acrobatic saves, calm demeanor, and ability to come up big in crucial moments earned him a reputation as one of the league’s premier goaltenders.
In 2017, Fleury’s career took a new turn as he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft. The move to Las Vegas provided him with a fresh start and an opportunity to continue his winning ways. In their inaugural season, Fleury backstopped the Golden Knights to an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final, solidifying his status as a fan favorite and a key figure in the team’s success.
As Fleury continued to excel in Vegas, his win total steadily climbed up the all-time list. On February 22nd, 2021, he surpassed legendary goaltender Roberto Luongo’s 484 career wins to claim the second spot on the NHL’s all-time wins list. This achievement is a testament to Fleury’s longevity, consistency, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
While Fleury still has a considerable gap to close in order to surpass the all-time wins leader, Martin Brodeur, who sits at an astonishing 691 victories, his accomplishment is no less remarkable. It highlights his ability to perform at a high level throughout his career and solidifies his place among the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.
Beyond his individual achievements, Fleury’s impact on the game extends far beyond the ice. Known for his infectious smile, positive attitude, and charitable endeavors, he has become a beloved figure both within the hockey community and among fans worldwide. His sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication to giving back have earned him numerous accolades, including the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2020 for his humanitarian efforts.
As Marc-André Fleury continues to add to his impressive win total, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring goaltenders and a reminder of the lasting impact that hard work, perseverance, and a genuine love for the game can have. With each victory, he etches his name deeper into the annals of NHL history, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders to ever grace the ice.
