Colorado gets Fleury

Avalanche
roster

"Theo Fleury will bring some additional scoring punch to our hockey club and much more," coach Bob Hartley said. "For many years in this league, he has been a proven leader and a great playoff performer."

Fleury, an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, went to the Avalanche with winger Chris Dingman. The Flames received forward Rene Corbet, defenseman Wade Belak and future considerations.

Fleury, a 30-year-old wing, has spent his entire NHL career with the Flames, winning a Stanley Cup with the team as a rookie in 1989. He recently became the leading scorer in the Flames history.

"It was tough, really tough" to leave Calgary, Fleury said. "But I tell you, I was thrilled it was Colorado. They've got a great team. I think this is a great opportunity and a great situation."

Fleury has been mentioned in countless trade rumors this season. All possible deals apparently fell through upon Fleury's reluctance to sign a new contract. He has said repeatedly he want to test the free-agent market this summer.

When asked if he was going to be a rent-a-player for the playoffs for Colorado he said, "We'll see how it works out. My No. 1 focus is just hockey right now. The only reason why I'm here is to help this team win a Stanley Cup, and that's my intention. I don't think we need that distraction of me talking about my contract every day."

It is not likely, however, that the Avalanche will have the money to re-sign Fleury and also retain free-agent Peter Forsberg.

"We made this transaction purely on a hockey basis," Colorado general manager Pierre Lacroix said. "The next few months will give us a chance to talk contract with Theo and his agent."