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Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, the top overall pick in June's National Hockey League Draft, was signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins .
The 18-year-old netminder was a star for Canada's runner-up squad at the 2002 World Junior Championships, with a 1.28 goals-against average, stopping 95.7 of the shots he faced.
"Marc-Andre is one of the best young goaltenders Ive seen in a very long time," said Penguins owner and scoring star Mario Lemieux. "He was very impressive during the pre-season. We look forward to having him as a teammate."
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Lemieux, taken first overall by Pittsburgh in 1984, had been the Penguins' most
recent top overall pick until Fleury. Ticketmaster
Pittsburgh sent right wing Mikael Samuelsson, the third overall pick and a second-round selection to the Florida Panthers for a third-round pick and the right to select Fleury.
Fleury played in four of seven pre-season contests with the Penguins, posting a 2-2 record with a team-leading 2.26 goals against average and .923 save percentage. The team opens the NHL season here Friday against Los Angeles.
"Marc-Andre is an exceptional young talent and were happy to have him under contract," Penguins general manager Craig Patrick said. "He is an integral part of our future." Ticketmaster
Fleury went 55-51 with 16 drawn in three junior seasons with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec League with a 3.28 goals-against average and will likely split time in goal for the Penguins with Sebastien Caron this season.