Marc-Andre Fleury seemed to be done having his name thrown around in trade rumors, but after a surprising injury earlier this week, his name is yet again being tossed around. Henrik Lundqvist announced that he would be opting out of the 2020-21 NHL season due to a heart condition that seemed to have popped up out of nowhere.
The Washington Capitals now find themselves without a more than capable backup goalie, but Fleury could be the right guy to fill that open role. Lundqvist's cap hit was just $1.5 million this year, but that will now go away with him being put on LTIR. Also, Michal Kempny is out 6-8 months after suffering a torn achilles. Kempny has a AAV of $2.5 million and with him also going to the LTIR, that money will also be off the books. The Capitals would then have around $4 million in cap space to work with.
Currently the Vegas Golden Knights are spending a lot more than average on their goalies. Fleury has a cap hit of $7 million over the next 2 years, and the team would likely have to retain at least some of his salary to make any trade work. With Robin Lehner seemingly taking over the starting role, Fleury now could be moved.
The most likely trade candidate to go back to Vegas would have to be Carl Hagelin, as he has 3 years left at $2.75 million. Vegas could retain $3.5 million of Fleury's salary, and they would still be just under the cap. Hagelin always puts up around 30 points every year, and he is a huge difference maker in the playoffs. He would fit in very nicely in the Knights' bottom six. Of course other prospects and picks would likely be involved, but that is one way that this trade could work out.
There is definitely a fit for Fleury in Washington, and both teams would benefit from a trade involving the veteran netminder. It could provide a great opportunity for two Stanley Cup contenders that are looking at making it to the next level. Plus, it would be pretty awesome to see «Flower» and the «Great 8» on the same team.
Source: vegashockeynow.com
