Theo Fleury’s Comeback Is Over, Retires In Calgary

Fleury last played in the

in 2003 and hasn’t played for the the Flames since 1999. After an 11-year stint in Calgary in which the diminutive, yet agitating forward scored 362 goals and set the team’s career scoring record, which has since been broken by Jerome Iginla, Fleury was dealt to the Avalanche. He later had brief stints with the Rangers and Blackhwaks, but ultimately off-the-ice issues derailed his career after he left Calgary.

Theo Fleury put together a valiant effort at an

comeback after six years away, but today that journey might have come to an end. After being officially released by the Calgary Flames, Fleury is uncertain what his next decision will be.

As Robert Cleave of Matchsticks and Gasoline notes, Fleury’s appearance tonight has caused a circus in Calgary that is overshadowing the debut of the biggest free agent acquisition of the season, defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. While he happy to see Fleury doing well so far, he’s not so certain this is a temporary raucous that will blow over once the 41-year old is overwhelmed after taking the ice against real competition.

Tonight may be the only time this month where John Tavares is not the player on the ice with the most to prove.

Indefinite suspension for violating the NHL’s substance abuse policy was not the way Theo Fleury wanted to end his career. From the Calgary Sun:

TSN has confirmed newly reinstated Theoren Fleury will be attending the Calgary Flames training camp, starting Saturday September 12.

Fleury was Calgary’s all-time leading scorer until last season when Jarome Iginla finally broke his record of 830 points.