What if Marc-Andre Fleury decided to ask for a trade to get out of the Chicago Blackhawks' unhealthy environment? With what's going on right now, "Flower" certainly doesn't have to cap on his stay in Chicago until then. He will be 37 years old in November and he's running out the last year of his current contract earning an average salary of $7 million.
One team that could be interested in his services remains the Edmonton Oilers, who are off to a remarkable start with a 6-1-0 record. The Connor McDavid-led team has gained experience, played on sandpaper and looks ready to move to the next level.
The Quebec goaltender has a no-trade clause (he can give a list of ten teams he'd like to play for), but I imagine he'd be willing to waive it for a contender like the Oilers. Let's add, however, that the Oilers are hooked on the maximum required by the NHL (payroll), so the Hawks will have to keep some salary and/or the Oilers will have to be salary cap compliant.
In the deal, Ken Holland could certainly include Mikko Koskinen, who has a $4.5 million cap hit. The problem is, will he lift his partial no-trade clause for the Hawks? Not sure! Other than that and the 50% holdback on Fleury's salary, there is no quick fix.
