CALGARY, Alberta — Theo Fleury's comeback attempt with the Calgary Flames is over.

The NHL team released the veteran forward Friday.

Fleury's attempted comeback after six years out of the NHL had been one of the feel-good stories of the preseason.

The 41-year-old scored a goal and had a shootout winner in another exhibition game, but couldn't earn a job on one of the team's top two lines.

Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said the team never intended to send him to the American Hockey League.

Sutter also said Fleury should be proud of his performance.