CALGARY, Alberta — Theo Fleury's career is ending in the place it began.

The 41-year-old forward decided to give up his comeback attempt and retire as a member of the Calgary Flames.

"I could not sign with another team," he said. "I retire a Calgary Flame."

Last week, the Flames released him from a tryout. Fleury was attempting to return to the NHL after a six-year absence and managed to record four points in four preseason games with Calgary.

But with 14 forwards under contract, securing a spot as one of the top-six forwards proved too much.

In 15 NHL seasons with four teams, Fleury scored 455 goals and had 1,088 points.

Fleury is second on the Flames' career scoring list with 830 points in 791 games. Current captain Jarome Iginla leads with 851 points.

Fleury broke into the NHL in the 1988-89 season and won a Stanley Cup with the Flames. He later played for the Canadian Olympic squad that won a gold medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

The Canadian native also had stints with Colorado, the New York Rangers and Chicago.