Marc-Andre Fleury gets emotional as Sidney Crosby delivers heartfelt NHL tribute during QMJHL Hall of Fame ceremony

Fleury already knew he would be honoured, but Crosby’s surprise appearance made the ceremony more personal. The long-time Pittsburgh Penguins teammates played together for a number of seasons before Fleury continued his NHL career with the Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild. The tribute was especially touching for the veteran goaltender, who forged a close bond with Crosby during their years together with the Pittsburgh Penguins.Then Crosby gave a message at the ceremony honouring Fleury and his career. Fleury appeared to be fighting back tears as he watched his former teammate speak, eventually wiping tears away.Sidney Crosby leaves Marc-Andre Fleury emotional at QMJHL ceremonyIt also was a reminder of the bond between two players who were important players during Pittsburgh’s successful run. But Crosby spent his whole career with the Penguins, while Fleury finally got a chance to move on after more than a decade with the organization.Marc-Andre Fleury has spent the first 13 seasons of his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who selected him first overall in the 2003 NHL Draft.Fleury was a key member of all of Pittsburgh’s championship teams, and Sidney Crosby emerged as the offensive leader and captain of the franchise. They shared a number of Stanley Cup wins and formed a long-lasting relationship away from the ice. Fleury last played in Pittsburgh in 2016-17, but his connection to the organization and former players extends well beyond his time there.What’s next for Marc-Andre Fleury’s NHL career?After his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Fleury became the face of the expansion Vegas Golden Knights before playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.His career has made him one of the most recognisable goaltenders of his generation, and his Quebec roots have remained a prominent part of his public image. He was inducted into the QMJHL Hall of Fame, adding another honour to a career that started with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles before making it to the NHL.So there was more to Crosby’s appearance than just a simple former-teammate tribute. It spanned Fleury’s start in junior hockey, years in Pittsburgh and his broader legacy in the NHL in one emotional ceremony.Marc-Andre Fleury seemed to take Sidney Crosby’s message to heart, building up a long relationship over the years with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The pair played together during a great run in franchise history, including the years Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup.Fleury knew he was going into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Hall of Fame, but Crosby’s presence was a surprise for him personally.One can see Fleury get emotional, wiping tears away, as he watches the message. It’s important, Fleury says, to hear from a former teammate and long-time friend during such an important career milestone.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.