McCleary signed a one-year, AHL contract with the Marlies on Thursday, according to Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey.
The 20-year-old blueliner was selected in the seventh round of the 2021 Draft by Pittsburgh, but he was unable to secure a contract with the Penguins. McCleary had 11 goals and 36 points in 56 regular-season appearances with WHL Swift Current last season.