Fleury never really in play ahead of deadline, says Pens' Rutherford

It was, in the end, all talk.

The NHL's trade deadline is in the books, and Marc-Andre Fleury is still a member of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. And considering Ben Bishop was the only goalie moved during a busy two-week stretch - and to a stealth buyer in Los Angeles - Fleury's status shouldn't really come as a surprise.

Jim Rutherford said Fleury was never really in play today. "He's a big part of this team"

- Paul Hollingsworth (@PaulHReporter1) March 2, 2017

Signed through 2018-19 at $5.75 million - and with Matt Murray inked through 2019-20 at $3.75 million - Fleury's future will be a major topic of conversation once the season ends, as preparations for the expansion draft begin in earnest.

Here's what we know: Murray's the goalie of the future in Pittsburgh, the No. 1. But Fleury's going to play a big role down the stretch, as the Pens are set for 16 games over the next 31 days, including two back-to-backs (there's another one in April).

And who knows what will happen during the playoffs. But the Penguins can sleep a little easier at night, knowing they've got two guys who've backstopped the team to a Cup.

Fleury will be unprotected in the expansion draft, or dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights beforehand. In other words, enjoy these final few months, Pens fans. It's been real.

Copyright (C) 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.