Cale Fleury – The Physical, Reliable Defenseman
Journey to Seattle: Cale Fleury was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft after a standout junior career in the WHL. Following a stint with Montreal’s AHL team, the Kraken claimed Fleury in the 2021 expansion draft, seeing his defensive potential as a valuable asset.
Playing Style and Expectations: Fleury is a tough, no-nonsense defenseman who prioritizes defense over offense. Standing 6'1" and weighing 210 pounds, he brings a physical edge to his game, using his size to win puck battles and protect his net. Fleury’s biggest strengths are his defensive reliability and physical play. He’s adept at blocking shots, breaking up passes, and maintaining strong positioning, all essential for a shutdown defenseman.
While his offensive game is limited, Fleury could develop into a solid third-pair defenseman with a focus on penalty killing and keeping opponents away from high-danger areas. He may not produce big point totals, but his role will be more about steady, dependable defense—qualities that will help him earn more NHL minutes with Seattle. If he can continue refining his decision-making and maintain consistency, Fleury has the potential to be a valuable depth option on the Kraken’s blue line, particularly in physical matchups where his toughness shines.