Mark Madden: Marc-Andre Fleury should refuse to play for Blackhawks

The latest Marc-Andre Fleury discussion locally revolves around the possibility of his new employer, Chicago, flipping him to the Penguins after acquiring him from Vegas. This before Fleury ever plays a game for the Blackhawks.

That’s foolhardy. Fleury is the reigning and defending Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s best goalie. Chicago got him to play.

Unless…

Fleury could yet get to the Penguins if he refuses to play for Chicago. That would be 100% against his style and character. It’s not the sort of thing Fleury would do.

But maybe Fleury will do it anyway. Perhaps he should.

Fleury would certainly have the support of his agent, Allan Walsh. Walsh is a carny blowhard like most agents, but that’s useful in a situation like this.

Fleury would have to withstand criticism, especially in Chicago. But if his intent is to never don a Blackhawks sweater, what’s the difference?

The hockey world would mostly give Fleury a pass on this because he’s widely respected as a great teammate and one of the NHL’s nicest guys. Most would think that Fleury would have to feel incredibly aggrieved and deceived to deviate so far from his agreeable personality.

That is, indeed, the case. Fleury has been aggrieved and deceived.

Fleury isn’t Aaron Rodgers, who complains if the sky isn’t blue enough. Fleury has never said excrement, but this time he has a mouthful.

Fleury was the original Golden Knight. He was the cornerstone of that franchise, on the ice and in the community. No player in Vegas was more popular. Owner Bill Foley pumped his tires constantly, and vetoed a trade that would have sent Fleury back to Pittsburgh before last season. Fleury justified his decision by winning the Vezina.

But when Fleury was sent packing to Chicago, Foley didn’t even have the heart to call him. Nor was Fleury appraised of the possibility beforehand.

Foley was likely ashamed. He should be.

But the real catalyst in this situation is Peter DeBoer, who maneuvered to oust Fleury since being hired as Vegas’ coach in January, 2020.

Vegas acquired goalie Robin Lehner the next month. Lehner was DeBoer’s guy. Fleury’s play and popularity made it tough but, given excuse, DeBoer turned to Lehner. Lehner started 16 of 20 playoff games in 2020. Fleury handled most of the workload in this year’s postseason, but errors still put him on the bench despite a Vezina-winning season. DeBoer didn’t have faith in Fleury.

DeBoer coaches the team. He can deploy his players as he sees fit.

But given Fleury’s stature as an OG Golden Knight, DeBoer’s method didn’t feel right.

Then, when the end came in Vegas, Fleury found out about the trade on Twitter.

The phrase “duplicitous scumbags” comes to mind. (There’s also a notion that Foley didn’t want to return Fleury to Pittsburgh. Sending him anywhere else was OK.)

Normally, nothing sparks my contempt more than a contracted athlete refusing to play. But Fleury should do just that.

Fleury got yanked around in Vegas. Heck, Fleury got too often yanked around during his Pittsburgh tenure. He’s too nice. He never bites back.

But after winning a Vezina at 36, then getting tossed aside like garbage for no return, it’s time for Fleury to break character and do what makes him happy.

Going to Chicago is not that. Fleury should refuse.

The Blackhawks would be unwitting dupes, but that’s not a franchise currently worth of any sympathy. (Nor did Chicago consult with Fleury before trading for him. Fleury deserved better from the Blackhawks, too.)

But before Fleury refuses to play for Chicago, a question must be answered: Do the Penguins want him?

Fleury was obviously just available, and GM Ron Hextall didn’t get him.

Even if he plays in Chicago, Fleury seems a lock to sign with Pittsburgh as a free agent after the forthcoming season. Unless Hextall doesn’t want him.