Montour Spoke with Another Team Before Joining Kraken

Brandon Montour, the 30-year-old defenseman, experienced a whirlwind off-season. Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, Montour faced a quick decision about his hockey future.

On the first day of free agency, Montour signed a seven-year, $50 million deal with the Seattle Kraken. This gave him a moment to reflect on last season and everything that transpired.

«It's been a crazy two and a half weeks,» Montour told TSN OverDrive. «From winning the Cup [in Florida] to finding a new home in Seattle, but I wouldn't change any of that for the world.»

Montour, one of the most sought-after free agents, recorded eight goals and 33 points in 66 games last season, adding three goals and 11 points in the playoffs. He joins a Kraken team that missed the playoffs last year, finishing sixth in the Pacific Division with a 34-35-13 record.

His experience with the Panthers' championship and the Kraken's eagerness for success helped convince him to sign with Seattle. «Winning in Florida was cool as it was their first championship,» said Montour. «Thinking about Seattle and having the chance to do that there excites me.»

Despite only entering the NHL in the 2021-22 campaign, the Kraken made the playoffs in their second year with a 46-28-8 record. They defeated the then-defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round and took the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round.

Montour believes the Kraken can return to their previous success. «They weren't happy with last season,» said Montour. «Management has prospects coming up and they're pushing to become a contender. After talking with the players and management, I feel like I fit in well with what they're trying to do.»

Montour Confirms Talks with Maple Leafs

Montour, a Brantford, Ont. native, has always had a connection with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. The idea of joining his hometown team did cross his mind.

«There were conversations [with the Maple Leafs],» admitted Montour. «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 business decisions. We thought about it, but we're grateful for Seattle and that experience.»