Well, online sports betting fans — here’s a story we probably never thought we’d be discussing a week before the NHL regular season starts. It would be crazy enough simply to witness a comeback attempt from Theoren Fleury. The really insane thing about it is that he has a very good chance to make the team.

If he doesn’t, some hockey brass will say “Good — they can’t just get sentimental and give an old fan favorite a spot that belongs to a good young player.” Normally, I would agree — if Claude Lemieux got a roster spot with the Sharks again this year, it woudl be a joke. But the truth is that, based on what I’ve seen in the preseason, it would be discriminatory for Fleury not to make the team. He seems to legitimately deserve a roster spot.

He’s a small guy who still seems to have speed and may have more space to work with than ever before; remember, he’s never played in the new NHL. As he’s shown on multiple breakaways, he still has soft hands and can juke defenders like Chris Johnson in NFL betting. He’s a hard-nosed guy who would gladly accept a checking role — one played by Todd Bertuzzi and Owen Nolan in recent seasons. They’re gone, so what’s wrong with another vet playing that part?

Fleury seems like a good fit for the Flames right now. If they cut him or send him down, it would seem “small” of them, almost as if they’re “worried that people will make fun of them for signing a 41-year-old.” I’m betting management is feeling that heat right now.

But come on, Sutters! If a guy deserves a spot, he should get it. I’m rooting for Fleury, not because he’s Fleury, but because he’s playing well enough to warrant an NHL roster spot — two-way contract be damned.

Who are you kidding, Calgary? iginla and Kipper aren’t spring chickens any more. Your Stanley Cup odds rely more on winning now than you think. Keep Theo Fleury and don’t worry about every last young guy’s roster spot.

Think hockey players partake in March Madness betting? When I look at the way some guys are playing of late, I wonder if they’re too busy making online betting picks on other sports or something. What else would explain sudden drops in caliber of play from star players like, I dunno…Dion Phaneuf?

Just kidding, Dion. I doubt you’re involved in any big March Madness betting. I wasn’t kidding about your play, though. Check out the career numbers, NHL betting fans:

2005-06: 82 games, 20 G, 29 A, 49 PTS, +5, 16 power-play goals

2006-07: 79 games, 17 G, 33 A, 50 PTS, +10, 13 power-play goals

2007-08: 82 games, 17 G, 43 A, 60 PTS, +12, 10 power-play goals

This season: 72 games, 11 G, 32 A, 43 PTS, -11, 4 power-play goals

What the hell? Obviously, Phaneuf still has 10 games left and could improve upon those numbers. But those who bet hockey certainly see some alarming trends there — a big minus rating on a first-place team, a massive drop in power-play goal production, and a sudden reputation for improvising on “D” when he shouldn’t. He also isn’t dishing out as many thundering hits as normal.

I can’t help but wonder if dating Elisha Cuthbert has anything to do with Dion’s play. Really, it’s the only factor (as far as we know) in life that has changed from last season. In fact, Phaneuf’s supporting cast in Calgary is as good as it’s ever been, so the argument that 24’s Kim Bauer is messing with his game is that much more valid.

Wake up, Dion! She’s gorgeous but the time to enjoy her is the summer! If you’re not careful, you’ll be left off the Canadian Olympic team next year…