NEW YORK -- Theo Fleury of the Chicago Blackhawks was suspended for a minimum of six months by the NHL on Friday for violating the terms of the league's substance abuse program.

The NHL said that Fleury is under the supervision of doctors from both the league and the NHL Players' Association. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement on Oct. 11.

Fleury, a member of the 2002 Canadian Olympic team and a seven-time All-Star, voluntarily checked himself into alcohol rehab during the spring of 2001, while he was with the New York Rangers. He missed the final 20 games of that season.

He signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Blackhawks on Aug. 15, 2002, after being released by the Rangers. He finished with 12 goals and 21 assists in 54 games this season.

Fleury was suspended two days before the regular season after reporting his own aftercare violation. He sat out 25 games before returning on Dec. 6.

In January, Ohio police said the 34-year-old Fleury was intoxicated following an altercation at a Columbus strip club.