Fleury has an adorable moment with a young fan prior to game in Pittsburgh

By now, you're probably aware that Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes has elected to start goaltender Filip Gustavasson this evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins, despite the fact that it's likely the last time that future Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury will be in Pittsburgh. 

Fleury, of course, is still a fan favorite in Pittsburgh thanks to an incredible run with the team from 2003 until 2017. But, while Fleury might be the sentimental choice, Hynes is playing to win. Gustavsson has played very strong lately and this team can't afford to not play their best players. It's as simple as that.

Still... you've gotta feel for Fleury. He's one of the sports all-time good guys and deserves all the good things coming his way in this, his likely final season.

I mean... just check out Fleury taking some time out of his warmup to make a young girl's day:

Love it!

Read below for our earlier report on Fleury and tonight's game in Pittsburgh.

The Minnesota Wild made something of an unpopular decision on Monday when they chose to bench veteran National Hockey League goaltender Marc Andre Fleury for a game against his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. There were no doubt many fans who were hoping to see Fleury make a return to Pittsburgh at the PPG Paints Arena on Monday night but unfortunately that will not come to pass.

Instead the Wild, who can use every point they can get right now, are going with the hotter hand in goaltender Filip Gustavsson, with Fleury working the second night of a back to back for the Wild on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

When asked about his team's decision on Monday, Fleury admitted that he was disappointed he wouldn't get the chance to play in front of his fans in Pittsburgh.

"A little bit," said Fleury when asked if he was disappointed.

That being said Fleury also added that he understands the call the team chose to make, praising his fellow goaltender for his performances as of late.

“That’s okay. I get to play tomorrow," said Fleury. "Team’s been good. Team’s been winning lately. Gus has been awesome. Just gotta keep it rolling.”

In spite of the fact that Fleury himself will be taking the decision in stride, reactions from disappointed fans have already started to pour in on social media.