Rumour: Penguins could go after Lehner instead of Fleury
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T. Tadi
July 7, 2021 (9:06)
When ESPN's Grew Wyshynski mentioned last week that a Marc-Andre Fleury trade in Vegas would give the Golden Knights to acquire some salary-cap flexibility, it was a hard rumour to accept. According to Cap Friendly, Vegas has spent $75.4 million on 18 players, with $12 million on goalie. Fleury's annual average worth is $7 million, but Wyshynski argued that with a year left on his contract and a Vezina Trophy title under his belt, he could be simpler to sell.
Fans immediately thought of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had not only attempted to re-acquire Fleury during the offseason, but had also held additional discussions at the start of the regular season to see if a deal could be made. Vegas refused to accept a trade.
We're all aware that team owner Bill Foley has declared publicly that he does not want Fleury dealt, and that Flower, who has a 10-team no-trade clause, has expressed his desire to retire in Las Vegas. However, rumours have surfaced about a possible trade since the Knights have spent too much money on goaltending, and it appears that the Penguins are interested regardless of which goalie is dealt.
If Fleury isn't available on the market, the Penguins should try to acquire Lehner, according to Pittsburgh insider Mark Madden. The Penguins need to address their goaltending problems this summer, but due to a lack of cap space, they'll have to cut salary to make room for Flower or Lehner.
Fleury's annual average value is $7 million, but with a year left on his contract and a Vezina Trophy win under his belt, he might be easier to move. He and Lehner, 29, were also awarded the Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals against. Lehner has a four-year contract with an annual average value of $5 million.
If Fleury becomes available, Madden recently suggested that the Golden Knights might consider absorbing some of Flower's salary, with the Penguins paying no more than a third-round pick. He doesn't say whether the same scenario would apply to Lehner.
Consider how disappointed Pittsburgh fans would be if a goalie arrived from Vegas but was not their beloved Flower.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
| POLL |
7 JUILLET | 93 ANSWERS Rumour: Penguins could go after Lehner instead of Fleury Would you trade for Lehner if you were the Penguins? |
| Yes | 51 | 54.8 % |
| No | 42 | 45.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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