Hockey is in Chuck Fletcher’s blood. Fletcher will soon be in Seattle working with the Kraken.
The son of legendary Toronto Maple Leafs executive Cliff Fletcher, Chuck has carried on the family tradition with more than three decades in the business. He’s probably best known for his nine seasons as the general manager of the Minnesota Wild, the one position he held on to the longest, that from 2009 to 2018.
He previously worked as an assistant GM with the Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins. Since 2018 he’s twice worked for the New Jersey Devils, including as GM, and also in that same position for what amounted to four seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The 59-year-old’s last contract as an advisor with the Devils expired earlier this year. That franchise has overhauled its front office, including replacing long time GM Tom Fitzgerald with Sunny Mehta in April.
The Kraken could use a buffer between ownership and general manager Jason Botterill. Fletcher has always come across as calm, cool, and collected, and he’s not afraid to get creative.
His father was known as “Trader Cliff”, the perpetrator of some historical NHL moves. The Kraken’s previous and current management haven’t been known for making big deals. They’re trying to get there.
Fletcher will definitely help and he brings added credibility to a club entering its sixth season of existence, coming off a 35-41-and-6 campaign. The franchise made the playoffs once, in 2022-’23.
Earlier Kraken:
— Robertson Rejection Releases The Kraken in Matty Beniers
Earlier Canucks:
— Simmer’s Holiday 9; Canucks, Kraken Bad Signings? A Remembrance
