Golden Knights GM quashes report about interest in Fleury
Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon poured cold water on the spicy rumor that his team is interested in reuniting with Marc-Andre Fleury.
"There is absolutely no credence to that rumor at all," McCrimmon told David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review Journal on Tuesday. "I wouldn't normally speak (officially) on such things, but there will be so much racket about this, it's important to let people know that's not going to happen."
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported earlier Tuesday that Vegas had expressed interest in bringing Fleury back into the fold.
The report of a potential reunion stemmed from an injury to Vegas' current starting goaltender, Robin Lehner. The team stated that Lehner is dealing with an upper-body injury, but sources told Seravalli that it's a torn labrum in his shoulder and it will eventually require surgery. It's unclear if Lehner can finish the season.
Fleury, the former face of the Golden Knights franchise, spent four seasons in Vegas before he was traded to the Blackhawks this past offseason as a cap dump.
The 37-year-old veteran is in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $7 million. His deal also contains a 10-team no-trade list, per CapFriendly. The Golden Knights are up against the cap, but they could potentially afford Fleury if Lehner's $5-million cap hit is placed on long-term injured reserve.
Fleury was reportedly shocked and disappointed by the trade and was initially not interested in playing for Chicago because he didn't want to move his family to an unfamiliar city. He also apparently found out about the trade on Twitter. He eventually decided to join the Blackhawks after taking time to mull his future.
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has posted a stellar .910 save percentage in 36 games this season for a Blackhawks team that sits 14th in the Western Conference standings.
Seravalli also reported that Vegas has expressed interest in New York Rangers backup goalie Alexandar Georgiev.
The Washington Capitals reportedly looked into acquiring Fleury last month.
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