Sources tell TSN Theoren Fleury is attempting a comeback and wants to play in the NHL again.
After playing senior hockey last season, Fleury decided in February he was fit enough to give the NHL another try, so he hired a personal trainer and has been working diligently since.
Those close to him say he didn't leave the National Hockey League the way he wanted, which is fueling his desire to return.
The 41-year-old has been sober for almost four years and has been skating daily in Calgary in the hope that an NHL team is willing to invite him to training camp.
Interest in the former Stanley Cup champion won't be enough to clear the way for Fleury's return. He remains under indefinite suspension and would first have to be approved by the NHL and the NHLPA's Substance Abuse program doctors before reinstatement would be considered.
Sources say Fleury recently sent NHL commissioner Gary Bettman a letter acknowledging his comeback bid and has also discussed the possibility with the league's doctors. The league has confirmed receiving the letter requesting reinstatement.
At 5' 6,'' Fleury was one of the smallest players in hockey. Intense and fearless, Fleury made a name for himself for more than his stature. He could score, play defensively and led teams to championships in junior hockey, in the NHL and on the international stage.
Woh... is 2009 the comeback year? Mats Sundin (end 2008), then Claude Lemieux, now... Theoren Fleury?
What about Pat Lafontaine? Or Luc Robitaille? And what about Wayne Gretzky? Where's Mario Lemieux?
Even though I always admired the character of Theoren Fleury, enough is enough. You have nothing more in the tank, and not the player you once were
If he does it, then another deleted player would regain his place on the database... JF! all players between 40 and 45 should be reinstated, it's comeback year!