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Old 11-09-2014, 12:19 PM   #119
browna
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arya Stark View Post
First I've heard of this so I doubt this is true. Source?
I thought that was fairly common knowledge, at least in so far as properly retiring as an active NHL player (and the benefits, which included a pension, that "active" status allowed), if not explicitly presented as such at the time. The Flames weren't going to say it, and Fleury wasn't going to say it as motivation, that's for sure.

Since 2003 he was suspending and considered in the substance abuse program, then never played, and while in that program, couldn't get his pension...so he was stuck in that. His comeback started with the Flames vouching for him a few weeks or so in the preseason, asking Bettman to get him re-instated. As soon as he cleared that hurdle, whether he played an exhibition or got, that pension kicked in.

So, another example of the Flames helping Fleury in his career when he didn't want to seem to help himself (no idea why Fleury didn't try and get re-instated himself in the time since 2003) to restore some dignity as being/retiring as an active NHL member again, and get his pension.

Last edited by browna; 11-09-2014 at 12:26 PM.
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