Report: Fleury back in trade talks, but this time to a new team

This just in from Chicago Blackhawks insider Scott Powers of The Athletic, the team is apparently in discussions with the Vegas Golden Knights to potentially acquire veteran goaltender and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Marc Andre Fleury.

In his latest column, Powers breaks down the Blackhawks' blockbuster trade that enabled them to get out from under Duncan Keith's $5.5 million annual salary and what it means for the team this offseason. According to Powers the Blackhawks are focused on acquiring a top pairing defenseman this offseason and have targeted the Columbus Blue Jackets' Seth Jones via trade or the Carolina Hurricanes' Dougie Hamilton via free agency. Past that though, Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman would like to address his goaltending depth and Powers reports that Fleury is a target.

From Powers' most recent column:

According to a source, the Blackhawks might still even address other areas of their team. The Blackhawks like how their forward group is shaping up and believe they have enough there to be competitive. They know there is a need for a quality defenseman or two. But they’re also open to addressing their goaltending depth. According to a league source, the Blackhawks could be in play for Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. With Fleury having just one year left on his contract, the Blackhawks could financially afford his $7 million cap hit if needed. Stay tuned.

It's worth noting, of course, that the Blackhawks had Vegas' other starting goaltender Robin Lehner under contract in 2019 before shipping him to Vegas for a 2nd-round pick, Malcolm Subban and prospect Slava Demin. At that time it was expected that Fleury would be traded to make room for Lehner, but the pair have actually worked together remarkably well as a tandem over the past season and a half. Still, with more than $12 million in cap space committed to both Fleury and Lehner, something's got to give in Vegas. So far we've heard Fleury linked to his former team the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the Blackhawks are a new team in Fleury trade talks so it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. Frankly, I just can't see it happening but stranger things have happened. Thoughts, Blackhawks fans?