Troubled Theoren Fleury, 41, is in talks to be reinstated by the NHL, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
Fleury has been going through the NHL's substance abuse program, and is to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly to discuss his request today. He has been sober for four years, but has not played since 2003 when he was indefinitely suspended while with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Calgary Sun, hometown paper of the city where Fleury spent most of his career while with the Flames, writes that Fleury seems patient with regards to the process. From the Sun:
"We're working through a process," Fleury said.
"I also understand there were some consequences for my actions. This is all part of the consequences. I didn't expect an answer right away. I know they have to think about it and see if it's good, a fit for them. If it's not, I'll move on to something else.
Fleury's comeback is unlikely to go anywhere, given his age, prolonged absence from the game, and constant headache-causing. Other players like Claude Lemieux and Chris Chelios have managed to play past their expiration dates, but neither of them came with the baggage Fleury brings.