Fleury, 40, confirmed that he will join Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Sweden and Denmark, marking his first appearance at the tournament. Speaking to reporters during the Wild's end-of-season media availability, the longtime NHL netminder joked about his decision to delay full retirement.

Even if it was only a small chapter in Fleury’s life, the Wild were lucky to have him for as long as they did.

Marc-Andre Fleury has exited the NHL after 21 seasons in the net. He's eager for more family time and an end to the on-ice tributes while fully accepting at age 40 that he’s no longer at his best.