Penguins take themselves out of the running for Fleury with today's signing

With NHL free agency set to kick off in just over a week's time, all eyes are on the goalie market. For teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and anyone else seeking an addition in goal, there will be plenty of free agent options. Marc Andre Fleury, Darcy Kuemper and Jack Campbell will likely draw the most interest on the open market but secondary options like Martin Jones, Braden Holtby and Thomas Greiss are also available.

The biggest fish in the free agent pond will likely be Fleury, of course. And according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman Fleury looks to have narrowed his options down to just four teams: the Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs.

From Friedman's most recent 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet: 

"He could have multiple options. One of them is Minnesota, one of them is Pittsburgh. I think one of them could be Colorado if Darcy Kuemper's not back there. The other one I think could be Toronto. I think he's really beginning to think about it now.

Elliotte Friedman

Personally, I don't think a return to Pittsburgh is in the cards after today's signing by the Penguins. In case you missed it, the team re-upped backup goaltender Casey DeSmith to a two year contract extension.

Check it out:

With DeSmith and Tristan Jarry both under contract next season, I can't see GM Ron Hextall extending an offer to Fleury.

To me, the most likely scenario is that Fleury re-ups with the Wild. I can't see him going to Toronto and I'd be willing to bet that Kuemper returns to the Avs. So really it's up to the Wild to negotiate a new deal with Fleury between now and the opening of free agency on July 13th because once he hits the open market all bets are off.