Cale Fleury Back in Fold

When defenseman Cale Fleury was called up from American Hockey League Charlotte in early February last season, Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol praised the 23-year-old for his poised and confident play in a two-game fill-in role when injuries left the team short on the blue line. He similarly impressed Hakstol and the coaching staff during seven appearances in April.
The 6-1, 213 right-handed shot posted stellar AHL numbers, notching seven goals and 26 assists in 58 games for the Eastern Division-winning Checkers. Coaches Geordie Kinnear and Dan Bylsma praised Fleury for his leadership and toughness all season with Charlotte, especially when injuries depleted the roster and younger players from the ECHL were pressed into action during critical late-year games.

For these reasons and more, the Kraken announced Monday that Fleury has agreed to terms a one-year, two-way contract for $750,000 average annual value (AAV) at the NHL level and a different amount for AHL appearances.
"Cale took another step in his development last year, specifically with his offensive game while playing for Charlotte," said Kraken GM Ron Francis. "We are excited we reached an agreement for Cale to return to the Kraken organization."
Fleury was the Kraken's expansion pick from the Montreal Canadiens, for whom he played 41 games during the 2019-20 season, making the roster out of training camp as a 20-year-old. He was selected 87th overall by the Canadiens during the 2017 NHL draft.
Scouts are high on Fleury's skating and puck-moving skills and projecting as a responsible defender who can play a reliable and physical game.
Another plus: Fleury is a right-handed shot, which can be in sparse supply. More than 60 percent of NHL defenders are left-handed.