A surprising new team enters the Marc-Andre Fleury sweepstakes
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on Saturday that there could be a major trade in the works between Central Division rivals. Per Friedman, the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks have had discussions on Hawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Fleury, who owns a modified NTC, has reportedly agreed to waive for a trade to the Wild, but now it's about whether or not the two sides can come to an agreement. Fleury, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, could certainly help stabilize the Wild's goaltending situation.
Earlier this week, the Leafs were rumoured to have declined an offer from the Hawks that would have seem Fleury land in Toronto, provided that he agreed to waive his NTC. The Leafs declined because of the heavy focus on futures. Per TSN's Darren Dreger, the Hawks wanted to send Brandon Hagel along with Fleury to Toronto for Petr Mrazek, top prospect Matthew Knies and multiple 1st round picks.
It's not often that we see a high profile trade occur between two heated division rivals, but with the Hawks being clear sellers, well outside of the playoff race and the Wild being clear buyers, combined with the fact that Fleury is merely a rental and does not help Minnesota in the future, there's virtually no risk from the Hawks' perspective.
