Fleury ignoring trade speculation, wants to lead Blackhawks to playoffs

Marc-Andre Fleury is focused on finding a way to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to the playoffs this spring, not the trade speculation surrounding him.

"All I want is to have this team make the (Stanley Cup) Playoffs," Fleury said Thursday, per NHL.com's Tracey Myers. "Honestly, that's what's in my head right now. To me, it's not worth looking too far ahead. I just want to put this team in a good position to make the playoffs, and that's my goal."

The Blackhawks are a long shot to qualify for the postseason, sitting eight points back of the Western Conference's second wild-card spot. Fleury's frequently been mentioned as a target for playoff hopefuls looking to bolster their depth in goal due to his status as a 37-year-old pending unrestricted free agent and Chicago's struggles.

Fleury has been one of the Blackhawks' few bright spots this season, posting a .916 save percentage across 27 starts. The team won four of its last five, and its recent form is giving Fleury hope for a charge up the standings.

"We've been winning some games, so I think it's not just me," he said. "As a team in general, we've been playing well, giving ourselves a chance to win every night. I think guys are playing well in front of me, too, which makes my job easier. I feel good."

The Blackhawks acquired Fleury, then fresh off winning the Vezina Trophy, in a stunning trade from the Vegas Golden Knights this past offseason. He posted a 117-60-14 record over four years in Sin City.

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