Kraken new player reportedly turned down over 50 million with another rival

The Toronto Maple Leafs have faced several rejections from elite free agents at the start of July. Defenseman Brandon Montour, a 2024 Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, is the latest player to turn down the Canadian franchise. Montour opted to sign with the Seattle Kraken instead.

On July 18, Montour confirmed on TSN's OverDrive that he and his agent had discussions with the Maple Leafs but ultimately chose Seattle. He cited family considerations and business decisions as factors in his choice.

«There were conversations [with the Maple Leafs],» Montour said. «When I looked at the roster and myself, I thought I could definitely help and it was intriguing. But there's a lot that goes into [free agency] with my family and what they need as well as business decisions.»

Montour, a native of Brantford, Ontario, signed a seven-year, $49.98 million contract with the Kraken on July 1. He expressed excitement about the prospect of helping Seattle win its first Stanley Cup, similar to his experience in Florida.

«Looking back, the big thing that was really cool with winning in Florida was that it was their very first championship and experiencing that together,» said Montour. «Thinking about Seattle and to have the chance to do that there excites me.»

Montour had a breakout season with the Panthers, scoring 8 goals and assisting on 25 for 33 points in 66 regular-season games. He added 3 goals and 8 assists in the playoffs, helping lead the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup.

Seattle, which missed the playoffs in 2024, showed enough potential to convince Montour to join. Founded ahead of the 2021-22 season, the Kraken made their first postseason appearance in 2023, advancing to the second round.

Montour, drafted 55th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2014, has also played for the Buffalo Sabres. In his NHL career, he has skated in 510 regular-season games, scoring 66 goals and assisting on 186 for 252 points.

The Maple Leafs have faced multiple rejections in free agency. Besides Montour, they targeted defenseman Matt Roy, who signed with the Washington Capitals, and forward Jeff Skinner, who joined the Edmonton Oilers. Chris Johnston reported that Toronto's lack of appeal to free agents stems from its perception as a non-winning organization across the league.