Carolina Hurricanes Prospect Roundup: Haydn Fleury
We all know about the Carolina Hurricanes young players that have stood out this season like Pesce, Slavin, Hanifin, and DiGiuseppe. But what about the other great prospects that we’ve heard so much about, like Haydn Fleury?
The Hurricanes General Manager Ron Francis has done a good job of amassing an arsenal of prospects in the past couple of years. Some of those youngsters have been performing very well and making a name for themselves at the lower levels. Haydn Fleury is a perfect example of that.
Haydn Fleury – 7th Overall 2014 Draft – Defenseman, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Fleury was a high profile pick when he went top ten in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Unlike many other young Canes defensemen he took the traditional route and stayed in the juniors to continue to develop and become better at his craft. In recent years he has shown great promise and development and is ready for professional play.
In December Fleury was part of the top defensive pairing for Canada at the World Junior Championships with fellow Hurricanes prospect, Roland McKeown. Though Canada didn’t have a great showing as a team, the top pairing performed well playing against other countries top players.
Related Story: Hurricanes 2015-2016 Season in Review
Fleury performed well this season with the Rebels of the Western Hockey League, putting up 41 points in 56 games. This placed him among the top 25 defensemen in the league. Where he really improved though is in his defensive game.
Fleury always had great offensive abilities but many worried about his ability to play at the NHL level defensively. The past couple of years he has focused more on his defensive skills and positioning. The Canes, unlike many other teams in need of good D-men, are lucky that they can let Fleury develop a full game in the juniors and minors and not rush him into a spot where he is not ready.
Carolina Hurricanes
Currently the Red Deer Rebels are in the WHL playoffs, and even if they don’t advance past the second round they are hosting the Memorial Cup Championship tournament. In hosting it they are automatically qualified for the tournament which features the winners of the three major junior leagues, the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the host team.
This will give Haydn the chance to play in his second high profile tournament of the year, and will give him another chance to play against the top players in the league. He has come a long way from his draft year and should be an interesting case for next year.
Fleury is the prospect I am the most excited to see at camp next year, regardless of this year’s draft choices. He is developing into another complete and ready defenseman which the Hurricanes are already filled to the brim with. I really hope he can make the team and produce in his first year, much like Noah Hanifin.
Next: Hurricanes Prospect - Alex Nedeljkovic
With Fleury in the pipeline it opens up the ability for the Hurricanes to trade other young defensemen, like Ryan Murphy or Roland McKeown, to acquire some scoring help or a goaltender. The franchise is developing the right way, from the blue line out, and is ushering in an exciting time for all fans.
Speaking of Roland McKeown he will be the topic of the next Carolina Hurricanes Prospect Profile. Make sure to make Cardiac Cane your first stop for the latest news and opinions.