DENVER – Having spent three emotional months with Theo
Fleury two years ago, the Colorado Avalanche reacted with the
compassion of a family member when they learned that he has entered
the NHL's substance-abuse program.
Fleury, 32, took part in Colorado's playoff run after being
traded by the Calgary Flames in February 1999. He later signed with
the New York Rangers and was having a strong 2000-01 season until
voluntarily leaving the team Wednesday.
"You hear rumors," Colorado captain Joe Sakic said Thursday.
"He was doing good last summer. Obviously there was a relapse and
hopefully everything will be all right."
Fleury, the NHL's fourth-leading scorer with 30 goals and 44
assists, is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Under terms of the substance-abuse and behavioral-health program
run by the NHL and the players association, Fleury will continue to
receive his full salary and benefits. He will not be penalized as
long as he complies with the prescribed treatment and aftercare
program.
"When that news comes out, you never know what to say because
you're always taken by surprise," Colorado coach Bob Hartley said.
"It's a big loss for the Rangers, but even more importantly, the
fact that Theo is showing some willingness and asking for help, it
speaks volumes."
Hartley was a rookie coach when Fleury came down with the flu
just hours before Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against
the Dallas Stars on May 29, 1999.
Asked Thursday about that game, Hartley said: "I was not in the
bathroom with him, so it's a situation when a player tells you he's
sick, he's being checked by the medical staff and there's not much
we can do. In pro sports and any other business you have to trust
the athletes or the workers."
Hartley said Colorado officials never saw any signs that Fleury
had a substance-abuse problem.
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