Vegas Golden Knights thank Marc-Andre Fleury with full-page newspaper ad

The Vegas Golden Knights made the decision to alienate plenty of their fans last week by trading the face of their franchise in Marc-Andre Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks after having promised him that he would retire a member of the NHL's 31st franchise. But despite his winning the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender for the 2020-21 NHL Season, he was unceremoniously jettisoned out of town. And on top of everything else, he reportedly discovered the news of the shocking trade not with the courtesy of a phone call from team management, but from social media. 

There were reports that Fleury was going to take some time to discuss the move with his family, and apparently even entertain the idea of calling it a career. But instead, Fleury has decided to continue to be a good sport and will officially be donning the Blackhawks sweater for the 2021-22 NHL season. 

His former team decided to thank their former franchise net minder with a full-page advertisement in the Las Vegas Review Journal. The full statement can be read below: 

"The first time you brought the Fortress to its feet.

Since you surprised us all by walking on stage during the Expansion Draft, you have delivered more incredible memories to this city than we could have ever imagined.

The inaugural season playoff run. The Superman save. The Gold Pads. The acrobatics in the crease. The way you would subtly thank the post after a shot clanged the iron. Pets were named after you and life-size sculptures of chocolate were built for you. And who could forget all the doughnuts? The passion you played with and your love of the game was infectious. After a huge win on home ice, the smile through your mask was big enough to be seen from the Strip all the way to Sorel.

The stats? They speak for themselves. First ballot, no doubt. But you know what’s even more impressive? The contributions you made to our community off the ice. Those were equally — if not more — impressive than your contributions on it. You were there during our city’s darkest time. You gave hope when it was needed most. You gave us reasons to cheer. You helped us persevere. You and your family continually found ways to give back and make our home a better place.

When your name was called on that Wednesday night in late June of 2017, we ultimately landed a player and a person that would leave an indelible mark on our franchise and our entire city. It truly was an honor having you a part of the Vegas Golden Knights our first four seasons and an even bigger honor having you a part of our Southern Nevada community.

The Dude is — and always will be — the Man."