Marc-Andre Fleury might have played his last game in Chicago

While the beloved goalie might be hesitant to move his family again in a trade prior to the deadline - which is fast approaching - there is no doubt that the Chicago Blackhawks are in full rebuild and this trade deadline might be Marc-Andre Fleury’s last shot at a Stanley Cup. He is a pending UFA approaching 40, and he might be running out of time for one final Cup before he retires.

That’s why Hawks insider Scott Powers of The Athletic wonders if on Tuesday night, Flower played his last game in Chicago.

“We’ll soon know whether he also finishes this season elsewhere. This season hasn’t gone anything like Fleury had hoped when he agreed to come to Chicago, and the Blackhawks are seeking to be sellers at the trade deadline. Fleury could factor significantly into that, too. He is probably general manager Kyle Davidson’s biggest trade chip and could kick off Davidson’s rebuild plans. A lot of variables have to align for Davidson to trade Fleury, including Fleury’s consent, but if they fall into place, Fleury’s time with the Blackhawks is running out.

Scott Powers

There was a sense that the Blackhawks won’t send him somewhere he doesn’t want to go. Fleury has a 10-team no-trade clause and leaned at staying in Chicago in recent weeks, though now, as the Blackhawks’ biggest trade chip, GM Kyle Davidson might beg him to accept a move. And that’s why Powers wonders if Flower played his last game if not for the Hawks, then in front of his fans in Chicago.

“It’s quite possible Fleury was making his final appearance in front of the Blackhawks fans at the United Center on Tuesday. The Blackhawks play Saturday at Minnesota and home against Winnipeg on Sunday. Fleury could start the first of the two games, or he could be dealt to another team before Sunday’s home game. The trade deadline is officially Monday afternoon.”

And if it was Flower’s last game in the Windy City, he put on quite a show, stopping 35 shots through two periods, making a season-high 46 saves in the Blackhawks’ 2-1 loss at the hands of the visiting Boston Bruins.

Fleury makes the Blackhawks better, but he might also be able to make them even better amidst a rebuild if he accepts to be moved at the deadline.