The Chicago Blackhawks are trading goaltender Marc-André Fleury to the Minnesota Wild for a conditional draft pick.
The Blackhawks would receive a conditional second-round pick that would become a first-round pick if Wilde made the conference finals and Fleury won four games in the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Chicago will reportedly retain 50% of Fleury's salary.
Fleury was the goalkeeper to get this trade deadline, but only if he wanted to get it. With his revised no-trade clause, the three-time Stanley Cup winner had the cards, and it appeared that he only wanted to go to one contender. He has a connection to Minnesota after playing alongside Wild general manager Bill Guerin on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Fleury almost didn't end up in Chicago. After the Blackhawks traded in for him in a cap-saving move by Vegas in July, he took his time to decide whether or not to report. He eventually decided to play for the Original Six franchise, even though its future was in trouble. He reportedly enjoyed his time in the Windy City and was reluctant to leave for either team.
After the trade, Fleury spoke to TSN and was asked why they waived their no-trade clause.
"I think just a chance to get to the playoffs, a chance to get there, a fight to get there, a fight to win. I think that's why we all play in the end," he said. "Plus, a good fit for me with my family. They live in Chicago. And it's not too far away.
"And obviously they have a great team. They are great defensively. They have a lot of big guys and they play well. ... I'm lucky things worked out."
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement: “In his short time with the Blackhawks, Marc-Andre made a huge impact on our fanbase and our locker rooms. We appreciate his willingness to work with us on finding a deal. Everyone who works."
Chicago had playoff aspirations approaching the season, but a terrible start largely ruined it.
Flower now moves on to his fourth Stanley Cup chase.