FLAMES TRIVIA | FLAMES AUDIO | FLAMES DIRECTORY | Peter Maher's Blog | Mike Rogers's Blog | Bryn's Blog | Pat's Blog
Certainly, I’m a little skeptical about the chances of it being 100% successful. But since first hearing about these potential Theoren Fleury comeback rumours a number of months ago, I started to think. Now that Darren Dreger of TSN has reported it, I guess it’s time to form an opinion.
Look it, we all know the demons Theoren has battled during his time in the NHL. We’re also aware of the demons he’s battled since leaving the NHL. Off-ice distractions played a part in declining production for Fleury near the end of his career, but according to sources close to the man, he’s been sober for 4 years.
Remember, NOTHING has been confirmed yet and we haven’t heard from Fleury himself. Until we do, this is still media speculation…but remember the source, Dreger is the most trusted man in hockey in my mind, especially with stories like this.
Give me your thoughts on the issue, but I look at it this way: there are hurdles to the move, it’s by no means a guarantee, and it will not be an easy road. But if there is someone who can forge the path down this road, I think potentially, it could be Fleury.
Why? Well, all I’ll say is this…he battled “too small” and “not strong enough” as he was breaking into the NHL. He put those to rest, and now he’s going to battle “too old” and “too long out of the game.” I’m not saying he’ll do it…but I think he’s got a chance.
Give us your thoughts…will it work? Do you want to see it happen?
Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Steinberg960.
Hell yes!
If any one can pull it off you gotta think it’s Theo. The guy played in a league filled with giants and frankly out performed most of them. Theo has a gift you can’t teach a person. His gift is how big his heart is. How he wears it on his sleeve. How he’ll battle anyone no matter how big or how bad. That’s ‘heart’ that rubs off on your team mates. How could you not go out a kill yourself when here’s Fleury at half your size spilling his blood for the rest of you.
Don’t let me down Darryl. Fix history and let Theo finish his career where he should have any way. He’s only gonna make you glad you did.
PS: I think the guy has the commitment to make it happen…I just don’t know how much interest we’re going to see from GM’s. I thought an emailer made a good point when saying what happened with Claude Lemieux last season might shy some GM’s away.
- jamesWhat seems to be overlooked is how the game has changed since Theo last played. It’s ironic that when he was in his prime, he would have benefitted from how the game currently is played. I will NOT say he is too old. I will ask if he is willing to play 3rd or 4th line if asked. And that’s assuming he makes it back to the NHL. I easily say he can play in the AHL…but that’s not the goal. And as you pointed out Pat, Theo himself has yet to confirm the reports.
I think that, if this is true, that Theo feels he has unfinished business in the NHL. No one wants to depart the way he did. And many would hope that if this can become reality, that he gets to finish as a Flame.
I’ll wish him the best of luck.
PS: I think everyone understands WHY Theo is doing this, I think that much is clear. But you make a good point Bob, the game has changed quite a bit since then, which will be another potential hurdle for Fleury to jump over. All I know is that I won’t question his resolve, as skeptical as I may be.
- Bob in the AbbeyRight off the bat, I will admit to being a fan of Theo. That being said, the question I have is can he seriously help a team? As much as I would love to see him back in Flames’ colors, would he realistically be able to help this team take the next step? And another thing, if he does get on an NHL roster for the coming season, is it going to be in a role he wants to play; and for the record, what is that role? Does he want to come in an be a top 6 forward and get time on the PP? Does that role exist for him? Probably not. I’m not sure if the local hockey heros (as Kerr calls them) need another “role” player, but only Sutter can make that call. Whatever happens though, please, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, do NO let Theo end up in an Oilers jersey this year though. That would suck.
- Blaine