Courtesy of CBC.ca:



Theoren Fleury reinstated by NHL

"Diminutive forward Theoren Fleury was reinstated late Thursday by the NHL, permitting him to resume a pro career that came to a screeching halt in June 2006.

Fleury, 41, was already three years removed from playing with the Chicago Blackhawks when he entered a substance abuse program sanctioned by both the NHL and the NHL Players' Association.

He will be monitored in the after-care phase of the program by Dr. Dave Lewis on behalf of the NHL and Dr. Brian Shaw for the NHLPA."

...Unfortunately, I don't see his career as going anywhere, at this point. He's sure to have lost a step; and, having missed so much time in the league, will find it difficult to compete - regardless of his current level of fitness. His hands, his timing will be off.

Furthermore, with the glut of talent currently sitting unsigned, his desirability in this cash (cap) strapped league may be close to nil.

Far too many GM's will view signing him as an unnecessary risk.

You think someone will give him a tryout in camp though?

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Wheelhouse

Personally, were I a GM, I would resist giving the man any false hope.

Unless a team has the cap, and a few glaring holes (which they honestly think Fleury's presence might address) I can't see why they would waste their own, and his, time.

I'd hate to think someone would offer him a "pity" tryout.

I always liked him as a player, and am rooting for him to find his way back. At 41 he's my age, actually a year younger, so I'm also rooting for the old fart club to get another representative in the NHL.

Still, yes, he's beyond a long shot. I wouldn't mind the Sabres signing him to a two-way and putting him in Portland to mentor Gerbe on how a midget spitfire can hit it big in the NHL.

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

I wouldn't call it a pity tryout. I can't remember where, but I read that he was training insanely hard and that he looked pretty good out there.

I'll see if I can find that link.

Obviously if that isn't true, then you'd be correct.

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Wheelhouse

Courtesy of TSN.ca:



FLEURY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN FLAMES' CAMP

"Theoren Fleury will look for a roster spot with the team he debuted with more than two decades ago, as the reinstated NHL player has been invited to attend training camp with the Calgary Flames."

...I can't see what the Flames could gain, from this move.

I think he should just give it up...I guess its good for the NHL in terms of publicity.

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

I hope, primarily for Theo, that he has his life under control; that is his most important battle. If he can beat the odds, and even play a little bit still, it will be an amazing story.

Odds are clearly against him; even though he has beaten the odds before....

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

I think he was in the lineup for Calgary tonight, unless I'm mistaken.

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

Yeah, he scored the winning SO goal against the Islanders

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

Nice.....

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

i have a feeling he could make the flames roster this year and do pretty good too....unlike claude lemieux's comeback

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"It is more about them than it is about the team...Cannot play with them, cannot win with them, cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win." - Mike Singletary

Tyler Myers - Future captain of the Buffalo Sabres, and future Norris Trophy Winner

Manning the machine gun on the Tyler Myers Bandwagon - just in case any teams have an idea of prying him away from us (3 GM's shot already)

Connolly/Roy - 2 goals in the last 47 playoff games

I think it would emotionally exhonerate him from the whole Graham James experience...

Theo; I'm rooting for you all the way!

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"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

Hes' got my support. We've all screwed up before to some extent, so did he. He fessed up to it, he's clean now and still has a passion for the game. Keep in mind he's been out of the NHL for what? 6 years or so? So he hasn't taken the beating the bigger players dish out. His body shouldn't be in as bad shape as say someone who played straight through till they were 41. Looked good out there in the flames lineup the other night and I think he's got a lot of jump in his game yet.

Best of luck Theo! You earned it!

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If it's a tight squeeze, spit on it! - NyI

He's a middling AHL player who had the good fortune of a drunk arbitrator. - The Squanto re: Tim Kennedy