Marc-Andre Fleury makes a new career record

Veteran Minnesota Wilds’ goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury reached a new career height on Saturday when he became the fifth all-time goalie in NHL history for most games played. 

Fleury played in his 964th career game to move past famed Canadian goalie Canadian Ed Belford to become the new fifth all-time goaltender for most played games. 

Ahead of Fluery by 7 games is Terry Sawchuck, followed by Patrick Roy at 1029 games played, Roberto Luongo at 1044 games played, and Martin Brodeur at 1266 games played according to statistics from NHL.com. 

Fleury’s latest record comes on the heels of another record he broke just one year earlier that saw him crowned as the top goalies of his generation. 

In December of 2021, Fleury was honored by the Chicago Blackhawks for his 500th NHL win which put in him third place for all-time NHL career wins. 

“Fleury became the third goalie in NHL history to win 500 games by making 29 saves for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2-0 victory at the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 9, 2021,” according to NHL.com. 

Fleury’s 500th career win game against the Canadiens also marked the legendary goaltender’s 69th career shutout according to the hockey website. 

Fleury’s current record sits at 533 career wins, just 18 wins behind Patrick Roy and 158 wins behind current all-time wins leader Martin Brodeur. 

Fleury also holds the current record for the longest individual playoff streak across all major sports according to Inside the Rink, a popular online hockey blog. 

The Minnesota Wilds goaltender was first drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins as their 1st overall draft pick in 2003, making Fleury the third goaltender ever selected as a number one overall pick in NHL history. 

Fleury played 13 seasons with the Penguins, during which time he was instrumental in winning three Stanley Cups before waving his no-movement clause which exposed him to the Las Vegas Golden Knights expansion draft. 

When asked why he decided to waive his no-trade and no-movement contract clauses in a locker room interview, Fleury stated "I knew things were going to change after this season for me." 

Fleury added that his desire to play was a big motivating factor. "I love to play. I love the game," Fleury added, "I love to be in there and to compete, the challenge of it. I like everything about it.”"

The Golden Knights selected Fleury in their draft and the veteran goaltender spent four years in Vegas where he helped the team to their first-ever playoffs. 

Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021 and was traded to the Minnesota Wild the following year. 

In July 2022, Fleury signed a $7 million dollar deal with the Wild to continue on with the team until the end of the 2023-2024 season.