4. Cale Fleury, D [19] (3-87, 2017)
Stats (Kootenay Ice/Regina Pats, WHL): 68 gp, 12 g, 39 a, 51 p, 6 PPG (10 A), 1 SHG (1 A), 2 GWG, 167 SOG, .75 pts/g (7 pgp, 0 g, 4 a, 4 p, 2 PPA, 13 SOG, .57 pts/g).
Cale Fleury was one of the finest offensive defensemen in the WHL this past season, and he’s an excellent goal-scoring one as well. He’s not the most NHL-ready defensive prospect, nor the one highest guaranteed to play with the Montreal Canadiens.
But he has a high ceiling and could be a top-two defenseman, one that quarterbacks the first unit power play and takes charge offensively. Along with a more defensive partner, Fleury could be one half of an excellent defensive pairing.
Fleury was 14th in defensive scoring, tied for 15th in goal scoring and 13th in assists, and was 17th in points per game. In the playoffs, Fleury faded a bit but was still tied for 24th in defensive assists and was 26th in points per game. He had 16 points on the power play in the regular season and came up with two shorthanded.
Fleury needs to continue to work on his defensive game and develop his vision in his own zone. He’ll need to learn how to play a more physical defensive game, especially in front of the net. Fleury also needs to work on his decision making and being more consistent with the puck. But his offensive game is perhaps the best the Canadiens have on the blue line.