The Kraken will be keeping a depth defender in the fold for a little while longer. The team announced that they’ve signed Cale Fleury to a two-year contract extension. The one-way deal will carry a price tag of $890K per season, representing a small increase on the $800K on his current contract which will expire at the end of the month. GM Jason Botterill released the following statement:
Cale’s been an important player in our organization. He’s developed into a steady and reliable defenseman, and we’re happy to have him under contract for the next two years.
The 26-year-old has been with Seattle for the past four years after being selected from Montreal in their expansion draft. However, despite Botterill’s comments above, Fleury’s development hasn’t been enough to secure a foothold at the NHL level during that time; he played in more NHL games in one season with the Canadiens (41) than in the last four years with the Kraken combined (36).
This season, Fleury got into 14 games with Seattle, his highest single-season total with them. In those outings, he had an assist along with 28 blocks and 30 hits in a little under 13 minutes per night of playing time. However, he was much more impactful in the minors with AHL Coachella Valley, registering 26 points in just 39 games, earning himself an All-Star nod in the process.
It’s likely that Seattle will be relying on Fleury to play a similar role as he has in recent years, being a key piece for the Firebirds and a serviceable option when needed at the top level. While he will have to clear waivers to be sent down next season, he has done so multiple times now and the one-way guarantee for two years could help dissuade any potential claimers.
Hah, thank you, Brian. I suppose it wouldn’t have been on for Botterill to say “Meh, we need warm bodies, and at least this guy is a known quantity.” But even so.
I like cale, glad they’re keeping him around. Time keeps on marching past his nhl minutes though. Plus ottavainen is gonna have eyes on those minutes as well.