Minnesota Wilds’ Marc-Andre Fleury Joined by Family in an Emotional Moment Before Final Home Game

What’s the best way to cap off a legendary NHL career? For Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, it might just be sharing the ice with his biggest fans. On April 9, at the Xcel Energy Center, Fleury laced up for what could be his final home game start, but he didn’t do it alone. With a career spanning 21 seasons, three Stanley Cups, and a Hall of Fame trajectory, could there be a more perfect send-off for the beloved “Flower”?

In a heart-tugging moment that had fans reaching for tissues, his three kids joined him on the ice, turning a routine pre-game warmup into an unforgettable farewell. A post on ‘X’ captured the sentiment perfectly, with

B/R Open Ice sharing a video captioned, “Marc-Andre Fleury’s kids skated onto the ice and joined their dad for likely the final home game start of his NHL career 🥹.” As the national anthem played, Fleury stood in front of the net, flanked by his daughters Estelle and Scarlette, and his son James, all decked out in miniature No. 29 Wild jerseys and helmets. It wasn’t just a photo op—it was a memory etched in time.

Fleury, now 40, has been a cornerstone of the NHL since his debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003. After stints with the Las Vegas Kings and the Chicago Blackhawks, he landed with the Wild in 2022, bringing his infectious grin and competitive fire to Minnesota. This season, his 21st, marks his swan song—he’s already announced his retirement plans. With 571 wins (second all-time) and over 1,000 games played, his stats speak volumes, but it’s moments like these that define him.

Then

there’s the Ovechkin nod. After the Washington Capitals game against the Minnesota Wild on 28th March 2025, as the Capitals headed off the ice, their captain paused, rallied his teammates, and led them back to center ice to shake Fleury’s hand. It was a final bow to a 20-year rivalry, a mutual tip of the cap between two future Hall of Famers. Ovechkin, 39, admitted earlier that day it was “sad” to lose Fleury as a foe. “It’s almost 20 years that we play against each other,” he said. “Pittsburgh, Vegas, it’s been an honor to play against him.” That’s high praise, even though Fleury’s Penguins thwarted Ovechkin’s Caps in three playoff series (2009, 2016, 2017), winning Cups each time. Ovechkin got his revenge in 2018, beating Fleury’s Golden Knights for Washington’s first title—but the respect? It’s clearly mutual.

Fleury’s Wild chapter, since 2022, has been a masterclass in grit and grace, mentoring young goalies like

Filip Gustavsson while still flashing that trademark grin. With over 1,000 games and a legacy cemented, these moments—his kids by his side, Ovechkin’s handshake—paint the full picture.

Marc-Andre Fleury’s Final Game turned special with win against San Jose

On April 9, Marc-André Fleury took to the ice at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, for what might have been his final home start as a member of the Minnesota Wild. Facing off against the San Jose Sharks, the veteran goaltender delivered a performance that turned an already emotional night into a memorable triumph. The Wild emerged victorious with an 8-7  win, a fitting capstone to Fleury’s storied career in front of the home crowd, who showered him with love and appreciation.

The game itself was a testament to Fleury’s enduring skill. At 40 years old and in his 21st NHL season, he stopped 24 shots, showcasing the reflexes and poise that have made him a future Hall of Famer.

Kirill Kaprizov, sidelined for the past 28 games with a lower-body injury, marked his comeback with a decisive one-timer from the right circle, roofing a cross-ice pass from Mats Zuccarello. Joel Eriksson Ek, also back after missing 21 games with a lower-body injury of his own, erupted for four goals in a remarkable return, while Matt Boldy dished out four assists. The Wild (43-29-7) solidified their playoff position, holding the tiebreaker over the St. Louis Blues for the Western Conference’s first wild card spot.

As the final buzzer sounded and he skated off to a standing ovation, his kids watched from the stands, tears streaming down their faces. For them, and the fans, it was a bittersweet realization that this could be their dad’s last home game in Minnesota. Against the Sharks—a team he’s historically dominated, this victory added one more highlight to his legacy. For Wild supporters and Fleury’s family, it was a night of joy, reflection, and appreciation for a goaltender who turned a potential farewell into an unforgettable triumph.