In signing with the Seattle Kraken, Brandon Montour has embarked on what may be the final chapter in his NHL career. The Anaheim Ducks drafted Montour in the second round, 55th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. His journey has taken him through multiple teams and culminated in a Stanley Cup victory. The 30-year-old Brantford, Ontario native began his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, playing from 2016 to 2019. During his time with the Ducks, he established himself as a promising young defenseman known for his offensive and skating capabilities. In February 2019, Montour was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he continued to develop his game despite the team’s struggles.
The defenseman’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Florida Panthers during the 2020-21 season. Montour experienced a remarkable run of success with the Panthers. He was part of the team that won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2022 and reached the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive years, ultimately winning the championship in 2024.
Reflecting on his time in Florida, Montour said, “There’s things you’re going to miss. You miss the ring ceremonies, you miss the first games, you miss days with the Cup. … I’m not there, so it [stinks] in that point.” However, he quickly adds that he’s looking forward to his new opportunity: “But that page is completely turned. I’m excited about being in Seattle. I’m excited to experience that with this organization.”
Montour’s decision to sign with the Kraken was influenced by the prospect of helping another franchise achieve its first Stanley Cup victory. “That’s a big reason why I chose Seattle is it was cool winning in Florida for the first time as an organization. It would be cool to do that in Seattle, so that’s what the goal is,” he explained.
The defenseman signed a seven-year, $50 million contract with the Kraken on July 1, 2024. He’s already begun settling into his new surroundings, finding a place to live and visiting the practice rink. Montour emphasized the importance of getting settled quickly with a baby due at the end of November.
Montour is eager to significantly impact the Kraken, a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 season. “Obviously on the ice in all situations, I think I’ll play a large role,” Montour stated. “Offensively, defensively play big minutes and then off the ice as well, just being a leader and bringing my experience that I’ve had in my career, being as far as I’ve been in the last two years.”
Montour has gained valuable experience from different team environments throughout his NHL career. Montour believes these experiences will benefit him in Seattle, from the veteran-laden Anaheim Ducks to the struggling Buffalo Sabres and the successful Florida Panthers. “I’ve experienced a good amount of things in my career so far that obviously I can bring to Seattle and will bring there,” he said.
As Montour begins this new chapter with the Kraken, his ultimate goal is clear: to bring the success he experienced in Florida to Seattle. “It was super cool winning in Florida just because of everyone that’s been a part of [the team] for 30 years,” Montour reflected. “Just seeing everyone’s reaction to it, it was memories that you’d always remember. But to do that with a new team again would be super cool.”
