Here is what Brandon Montour brings to the table

One of Montour's defining traits is his offensive prowess. Over the past two seasons, he's racked up 106 points in 146 games, highlighted by a stellar 73-point campaign in 2022-23. His ability to move the puck and generate offense from the blue line is a significant improvement for the Kraken.

Seattle, previously relying on a dump-and-chase style, will benefit from Montour's puck-moving skills, which will allow for more controlled entries and smoother transitions. His right-handed shot is an excellent complement to the Kraken's defense, and his ability to join the rush while maintaining defensive awareness will add an extra dimension to their offensive play. Montour excels at starting breakouts with precise passes, getting the puck up the ice quickly and efficiently.

Montour also brings a shoot-first mentality, a welcome addition to Seattle's lineup. Adam Larsson has led Kraken defensemen in shots since the team's inception with 392, but Montour outpaces that with 563 shots over the same period. His ability to generate shots, particularly from the point, will create more chances for rebounds and deflections.

Montour's familiarity with the 1-3-1 power play strategy, also used by Seattle, fits perfectly with his style. Anchored at the point, Montour will be a key player in directing the power play and firing from long range to generate offensive opportunities.

Though he's known for his offense, Montour is no slouch defensively. He's strong in his positional play, uses his stick effectively to break up passes, and is great at clogging passing lanes. Unlike many offensive defensemen, Montour plays a more conservative defensive style, ensuring he stays in position rather than taking unnecessary risks.

In the offensive zone, Montour often occupies the point and is quick to retreat once the puck is turned over, highlighting his disciplined approach. In the defensive zone, he focuses on protecting the front of the net and working the corners, using his body to separate opponents from the puck. His poke check and shot-blocking abilities make him a valuable defender in high-pressure situations.

Montour's impact extends to the power play, where he logged an average of 4:05 per game over the past two seasons, ranking fifth among NHL defensemen with 46 assists during that stretch. While his power play goals have been modest, his playmaking and puck distribution are key assets. Paired with Vince Dunn, Montour will provide Seattle with a formidable duo on special teams.

While Montour's power play numbers dipped during the 2023-24 season, primarily due to the emergence of Sam Reinhart's dominant performance, he remains a vital playmaker. If the NHL tracked third assists, his totals would likely be even higher, showing his continued influence on team success.

Montour's 2023-24 season started slowly after missing the first 16 games due to surgery on a torn labrum. Despite this setback, his play improved significantly as the season progressed, and he finished strong, posting .73 points per game over his final 30 games - equivalent to a 60-point season pace. This resurgence signals that Montour has fully recovered and is ready to contribute at a high level.

Brandon Montour's arrival in Seattle bolsters an already solid defensive unit. The Kraken ranked in the top 10 for goals against last season, and Montour's presence will only enhance their defensive capabilities. On top of that, his offensive contributions will elevate the Kraken's scoring potential, making him a key piece in their quest for further success.