September 6: CapFriendly has confirmed that Fleury’s minor salary next season is $200,000.
August 30: Restricted free agents continue to come off the board as September rapidly approaches. The Seattle Kraken have signed their last remaining one, defenseman Cale Fleury, to a one-year, two-way contract worth $750K, per the team. His minor salary has not been disclosed.
Cale, the younger brother of former Kraken defenseman Haydn Fleury, took a significant step forward in his development last season. A third-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2017, Fleury became a full-time NHLer just three years later, although at the expense of his development. Playing in 41 games with Montreal in 2019-20 compared to just 14 in AHL Laval, Fleury notched just one point in those 41 games, showing that he really wasn’t ready for the highest level of play just yet. It showed the following season as well, as he tallied just six assists in 22 games with the Laval Rocket in 2020-21.
But after Seattle selected him in the expansion draft, Fleury became an important part of the blueline for the Charlotte Checkers, Seattle’s shared AHL affiliate last season. In addition to being named an alternate captain, Fleury’s offensive production came back to life with 33 points in 58 games.
Now, with Fleury needing to clear waivers to be assigned back to the minors, Seattle may be more inclined to give him a second NHL look on a more full-time basis. There are some serious question marks on Seattle’s blueline next season despite making serious additions on offense, and there should be lots of competition for NHL time between players like Fleury, Will Borgen, and Michal Kempny.
Fleury will again be a restricted free agent next offseason.
I like his game. Still young, shows good promise. I’m happy he’s back. Will be rooting him on.
Minor league depth, Josh. Has no chance of playing with the Krak unless they’re so bad they have nothing better