Following the shocker of a trade that saw pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen get traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, could the same happen to Mitch Marner? Although it was Filip Gustavsson and Joseph Woll tending the net for the Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, there was a special reunion that took place with the backup goaltenders at Scotiabank Arena. Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray met at center ice and got reacquainted with each other, sharing the ice in NHL uniforms for the way is likely the final time in their careers. "It was just great to see him," Murray told The Hockey News. "I don't get to catch up with him too much anymore. So whenever I do see him on the ice, we always say hi and just wish each other the best." The 40-year-old Fleury announced before this season started that it was going to be his last, signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Wild. This decision, while difficult, was driven by a desire to prioritize his family and reflect on his incredible career. Fleury has expressed a sense of peace and contentment with his decision, acknowledging that he has achieved everything he set out to do in the NHL. Meanwhile, Murray has been on his own journey of fighting for every opportunity he can to remain in the NHL following bilateral hip surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2023-24 season. Murray did return to play in a couple of games this season and is currently serving as Toronto's No. 3 option in net behind Woll and Anthony Stolarz, who is recovering from a knee procedure. It that respect, it was an unlikely on-ice reunion for the duo that helped backstop the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. "Obviously, we have a special bond with a couple of Stanley Cups together," Murray said. "Him being my first real mentor when I got to the league. So I owe a lot to him. He's obviously a very lovable guy." During Murray's rookie season in 2015-16 with the Penguins, he began to outperform Fleury. This created a dynamic where an established veteran, Fleury, and a rising star, Murray, were both vying for playing time. Maintaining his professionalism, Fleury provided positivity despite the difficult circumstances, providing the younger Murray with guidance that helped him succeed. "He's the best guy. He was such a good part of why we've won those two years." Murray said. "He was so good to me in a tough situation for him, so I owe him a lot." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfJtAJnpdXs[/embed] As Murray performed well, they were forced to part as teammates when the Penguins could only protect one goaltender during the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. The Golden Knights selected Fleury from Pittsburgh. The veteran helped backstop the club to the Stanley Cup final in their inaugural season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
