Marc-André Fleury facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marc-André Fleury
Fleury with the Vegas Golden Knights in February 2018
Born	(1984-11-28) November 28, 1984 (age 41) Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, Canada
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	Pittsburgh Penguins Vegas Golden Knights Chicago Blackhawks Minnesota Wild
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	1st overall, 2003 Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career	2003–2025

Marc-André Fleury (born November 28, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He is known by the nickname "Flower", which comes from the French meaning of his last name. Fleury was chosen first overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played 13 seasons with the Penguins, winning three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017.

After his time with the Penguins, Fleury was picked by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL expansion draft. He helped the Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2018. In 2021, he won the William M. Jennings Trophy and the Vezina Trophy, which are big awards for goalies. Fleury is one of only three goalies in NHL history to reach 500 career victories. He is also one of only four goalies to play 1,000 games in the NHL. Besides the Penguins and Golden Knights, Fleury also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild before retiring in 2025.

Internationally, Fleury played for Team Canada's junior team twice. He won silver medals at the World Junior Championships in 2003 and 2004. He also won a gold medal with Team Canada's senior team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Playing Career Highlights

Fleury with the Stanley Cup in 2017

Fleury with his daughter Estelle after the Penguins' 2017 Stanley Cup win in Nashville

Fleury in net in January 2006

Fleury with the Stanley Cup at the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup parade on June 15, 2009

Fleury standing in net against Tyler Seguin, while teammate Brooks Orpik defends during a January 2011 game

Fleury in December 2014

Fleury during warmups with the Wild in 2025

Marc-André Fleury started playing minor ice hockey as a youth. He later played junior ice hockey for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He had a great season in 2002–03, which led to him being the first player chosen in the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was only the third goalie ever to be picked first overall in the NHL draft. His jersey number 29 was later retired by the Cape Breton team.

Time with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2003–2017)

Fleury joined the NHL in the 2003–04 season. He was the youngest goalie in the league at just 18 years old. In his first NHL game, he made an amazing 46 saves. He earned his first NHL win soon after, and his first shutout (when a goalie stops every shot) on October 30.

After playing some time in the minor leagues, Fleury became the main goalie for the Penguins. He played alongside future superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. His skills improved a lot, and he helped the Penguins become a strong team.

In the 2008 Stanley Cup Final, Fleury helped the Penguins reach the championship series. They played against the Detroit Red Wings and lost in six games. Fleury had a great playoff run that year, with three shutouts.

The next season, in 2009, Fleury and the Penguins returned to the Stanley Cup Final against the Red Wings. This time, the Penguins won! Fleury made two incredible saves in the final seconds of Game 7 to secure the victory. This was his first Stanley Cup.

Fleury continued to be a key player for the Penguins. He helped them win two more Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. These wins made him a three-time Stanley Cup champion.

Adventures with the Vegas Golden Knights (2017–2021)

In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights picked Fleury in the 2017 NHL expansion draft. He became the face of the new team. He helped the Golden Knights have an amazing first season, leading them all the way to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. Even though they didn't win the Cup that year, their journey was incredible.

Fleury continued to shine with the Golden Knights. In 2018, he won the first-ever "Save Streak" competition at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition. He also earned his 400th career win. He was chosen for the NHL All-Star Game multiple times.

In the 2020–21 NHL season, Fleury had one of his best years. He recorded a career-best goals-against average and save percentage. For his outstanding play, he won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goalie and the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals.

Short Stints and Milestones (2021–2025)

In July 2021, Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. He was the first goalie to be traded right after winning the Vezina Trophy. On December 9, 2021, Fleury reached his 500th career win, becoming only the third goalie in NHL history to do so. He also became the first goalie to beat all 32 NHL teams.

In March 2022, Fleury was traded to the Minnesota Wild. He quickly made an impact, helping the team win games. He signed a new contract to stay with the Wild. On October 30, he set a new NHL record for most shootout wins in a career.

On December 31, 2023, Fleury played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming only the fourth goalie to reach this huge milestone. On January 15, 2024, he became the second-winningest goalie in NHL history with his 552nd win.

Fleury's amazing career came to an end in 2025. He played his last regular-season game on April 15, 2025, and his final NHL game on April 29, 2025, in the playoffs. This last game set a new record for goalies, as it was his 18th playoff season. After his retirement, he even made a special appearance for the Penguins in a preseason game in September 2025.

International Play for Canada

Fleury proudly represented Team Canada several times. He won two silver medals at the World Junior Championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2003, he was named the best goalie and MVP of the tournament.

He also won a gold medal with Team Canada's senior team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Even though he didn't play in the games, he was part of the winning team.

After retiring from the NHL, Fleury joined Team Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Championship. These were his final competitive games, and he played well, helping his team in the group stage.

Marc-André Fleury's Life Off the Ice

Marc-André Fleury grew up in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, Canada. He has a younger sister named Marylène. When he first joined the NHL, he even lived with hockey legend Mario Lemieux for a short time!

In 2012, Fleury married his longtime girlfriend, Véronique Larosee. They have two daughters and a son. Véronique has Abenaki and Mi'kmaq heritage. In November 2023, Fleury wanted to wear a special mask to honor his wife's Native heritage during a team event. There were rules about custom masks, but he wore it during warm-ups to show his respect.

His nickname, "Flower," comes from the English translation of his last name, fleuri, which means "in bloom" or "in flower" in French. His goalie masks often feature a fleur-de-lis (a flower symbol) and sometimes other flower designs. He also includes the initials EFGT on his masks to remember his four grandparents.

Throughout his career, Fleury was known as a fun-loving player and a bit of a prankster with his teammates and even opponents!

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Bold indicates led league

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	W	L	T	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2003	Canada	WJC			5	5	0	0	267	7	1	1.57	.927
2004	Canada	WJC			5	4	1	0	299	9	1	1.81	.920
2025	Canada	WC	5th		3	2	1	0	185	3	0	0.97	.944
Junior totals					10	8	2	0	566	16	2	1.69	.924
Senior totals					3	2	1	0	185	3	0	0.97	.944

Awards and Honours

Fleury accepting the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Good Guy Award in 2010

See also

In Spanish: Marc-André Fleury para niños