Marc-André Fleury’s legacy in Pittsburgh is getting another formal chapter. The former Penguins goaltender was selected for the Penguins Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in his first year of eligibility, a fitting recognition for a player who helped define the franchise’s modern era.
Fleury was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Draft in Nashville, and he went on to spend 2003-2017 with the organization. During that stretch, he became the heart and soul of the Penguins’ crease and set nearly every major goaltending record in franchise history. He also helped the team win three Stanley Cup championships.
One of the defining moments of his Penguins career came in 2009, when Fleury made the winning save in the waning seconds of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings. That save became one of the signature images of the Penguins’ championship run and a big part of why his place in franchise history is secure.
What Fleury said after the announcement
Fleury said being mentioned was “such an honor,” adding that the organization has had “a lot of success” and many great players have come through Pittsburgh. He said it was not something he expected, but called it a “tremendous honor” if it happens.
He also spoke warmly about the city, saying Pittsburgh “will always be a special place.” Fleury explained that, even though he has not lived there in a while, the bonds he made with teammates, staff and fans have stayed with him. He said the fans were supportive around town and that he will always keep good memories of his time there.
The timing adds another layer to the honor. Last fall, Fleury was back in Pittsburgh to play in a Penguins jersey one last time, but he was not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame because he was still relatively fresh off retirement. A few months later, Kyle Dubas let him know he had been selected. With the Penguins Hall of Fame recently relaunched and a Hall of Fame Game scheduled for Saturday, November 14, the selection gives the franchise a chance to celebrate one of its most decorated players in a meaningful way.
For Fleury, the recognition fits the career arc of a goaltender who arrived as a top draft pick, delivered in the biggest moments and remained one of the most beloved figures in team history. In Pittsburgh, his name has long belonged in the conversation. Now it is officially part of the Penguins Hall of Fame.
