Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - Chicago Blackhawks forward Theo Fleury said he missed a pair of practices last week because his father underwent surgery to have a tumor removed.

Fleury was unexcused from practice on Wednesday, then had permission to miss practice again on Thursday after speaking with head coach Brian Sutter and meeting with GM Mike Smith. He played in Friday's pre-season game against St. Louis.

The Blackhawks signed the 34-year-old free agent to a reported two-year contract worth $4 million per season this summer.

Fleury has had off-ice problems in the past, leading to speculation that he was in trouble again this week.

He missed 20 games in 2000-01 with the New York Rangers after checking himself into the substance-abuse program and continues to take part in a mandatory after-care program. He also was troubled by a personal relationship last season, which appeared to play a role in his anger-management issues on the ice.

In his 1,030-game career with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche and Rangers, the 5-foot-6, 180-pounder has recorded 443 goals and 612 assists. He enjoyed his best season in 1990-91 with Calgary when he scored 51 goals and assisted on 53 others. Fleury was also a member of the Canadian team that won the gold medal at the Salt Lake City Olympics this past February.