Haydn Fleury knows an opportunity is there for the taking.

The 20-year-old defenseman, who was drafted seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2014, has yet to make his NHL debut, but is well aware that a spot on the blue line recently opened up.

"Ever since (James) Wisniewski was bought out, that's the only thing that's been on my mind," Fleury said, according to Kurt Dusterberg of NHL.com.

"It's extra motivation for me in the gym and on the ice the rest of this summer."

Fleury took on a leadership role at the team's summer development camp, and head coach Bill Peters expects the young defenseman to fight for an opening-night roster spot at training camp.

And that's exactly what Fleury intends to do, despite seven defensemen being signed for next season after the Wisniewski buyout.

"I'm going to come into the main camp in the fall and do my best to take that spot."

Fleury spent the past two seasons back with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels, recording 12 goals and 29 assists in 56 games in 2015-16.

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