SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- If it was up to Theo Fleury, he would be back in the Chicago Blackhawks lineup Thursday night when they play the Phoenix Coyotes.

"I could have played a month ago,'' Fleury told the East Valley Tribune after practicing with his new team Tuesday for the first time since the preseason. The NHL suspended him Oct. 8 for violating his aftercare program for substance abuse.

The league still has to give Fleury, who had 24 goals and 39 assists with the New York Rangers last season, the green light to play -- a decision that will be influenced by his doctors. Blackhawks coach Brian Sutter didn't rule out using the right wing against Phoenix, but planned to evaluate Fleury's condition as well.

"As a coach, I want him to have a few practices,'' Sutter told the newspaper.

Fleury took part in good practices Tuesday and Wednesday and will have a game-day skatearound under his belt by the time the team leaves the Coyotes' two-rink facility for the America West Arena in downtown Phoenix for the game.

The Coyotes made a bid to acquire Fleury last summer, but he opted for an $8.5 million, two-year deal with Chicago, in part because he played for Sutter in Calgary.

Fleury said he was further impressed with the way the Blackhawks handled forward Bob Probert, who also fought substance abuse, and that he wanted a chance to play with centers like Alex Zhamnov, Tyler Arnason and Michael Nyland, the Tribune said.

"The Coyotes handled the situation very well and very honestly, but I'm happy with the decision I made,'' Fleury said.

The game will be the first between the teams since right wing Tony Amonte left the Blackhawks last summer to sign with the Coyotes for $24 million over four years.