Should the Capitals trade for Marc-Andre Fleury?

The Washington Capitals have been involved in rumors surrounding Evander Kane and after Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts column, it is very likely that Marc-Andre Fleury could be a Capital. Yeah it’s weird to even think about but here we are.

This blurb came from Friedman’s ninth thought:

"We should prepare ourselves for the possibility of Marc-Andre Fleury, Washington Capital. At the very least, the Capitals are looking into it."

What makes acquiring Fleury rather tricky is his $7 million cap hit. The Caps have a bit of flexibility as Anthony Mantha is on long term injured reserve with a shoulder injury. But the real question is, do the Caps simply not trust Ilya Samsonov or Vitek Vanecek enough to gamble on a 37 year old netminder?

The Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks would likely have to do serious negotiating in the hope Chicago might still be able to retain a fraction of his salary. Fleury is a familiar foe as he’s faced the Capitals numerous times first with the Pittsburgh Penguins and then with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Fleury beat the Caps in the playoffs numerous times 2018 with the Golden Knight it would be Washington with some sweet revenge as they bested Simon their way to their first Stanley Cup. Fleury was in net all five of those games, the Caps won four of the five en route to the Cup.

Fleury has started in 29 games this season with Chicago compiling a 13-13-3 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.76 goals against average. He won both games against the Capitals this season with 25 saves in the first game and 42 in the second game.

After starting the last four games, Vitek Vanecek will have the night off when the Caps host the San Jose Sharks. Getting the start will be Ilya Samsonov. This decision on who to trade if they were to gamble on Fleury is going to be tough.