Per TSN:
The verdict is in. After a much-publicized attempt at an NHL comeback, Theoren Fleury has been released by the Calgary Flames.
The team released a statement Friday afternoon confirming the decision.
“I believe Theoren did a great job and should be proud, especially considering all the factors including age, time away from the game and lifestyle change,” said general manager Darryl Sutter in the statement. “This is not a hockey story; it’s a life story. Our agreement with Theoren was that he had to be one of our top six wingers and there were never any intentions of assigning him to the American Hockey League.”
Fleury was gracious in his response.
“I am very thankful to Darryl and the Flames organization for following through on the commitment to provide me with this opportunity,” Fleury said in a statement. “I said in the beginning that no matter what the outcome, this would be a success story. I intend to take the next few days to review this experience and make decisions with my family regarding next steps in my life.”
Fleury said he will have a press conference on Monday but would not commit on whether or not he was retiring from the game.
“I need a couple of days,” Fleury told TSN.
The 41-year-old had generated a buzz league-wide with his spirited effort in the pre-season, putting up four points in an attempt to crack the Flames’ final roster.
The 5’6 sniper was drafted by the team 166th overall in the eighth round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.
He brought home the franchise’s last Stanley Cup back in 1989. In 1990-91, Fleury had 51 goals and 53 assists for a career-high 104 points. He had NHL seven seasons with more than 70 points and was a seven-time All-Star. He had over 1000 games of NHL experience with four teams.
