Brandon Montour will not be part of the celebrations for the 2024 Stanley Cup win in Florida this fall. While the festivities occur at Amerant Bank Arena, Montour will be on the West Coast, starting his new chapter with the Seattle Kraken.
Despite knowing he will miss significant moments, Montour expresses no regrets about his decision. “There are things you’re going to miss, like the ring ceremonies and the first games, but that’s in the past for me,” Montour remarked. “I’m excited about being in Seattle and what this organization represents. Winning in Florida was fantastic, but now my goal is to achieve that success in Seattle.”
Montour joined the Panthers from the Buffalo Sabres during the 2020-21 season and enjoyed notable accomplishments over the last three years, including winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2022 and participating in the Stanley Cup Final two consecutive seasons, culminating in a championship win in 2024.
On July 1, he signed a seven-year, $50 million deal with the Kraken. Since arriving in Seattle, Montour has settled into a new home and visited the practice facility, though he has yet to explore Climate Pledge Arena. With a baby expected in late November, getting established quickly has been a priority for him.
“We’re super excited for this new chapter for my family,” Montour said. “It’s thrilling to meet new teammates and coaches during training camp.”
As he embarks on this journey, Montour aims to significantly contribute to a Kraken team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 season. After making it to the Western Conference Second Round in 2023, the Kraken fell short of the playoffs the following year.
Montour is ready to take on a substantial role, both on and off the ice. “I believe I’ll be a key player offensively and defensively, and I plan to serve as a leader and share my experiences from the last couple of years,” he explained.
His career has spanned eight years in the NHL, during which he has played for four teams, including the Anaheim Ducks and the Sabres. Montour believes his diverse experiences make him well-equipped to positively influence the Kraken.
The ultimate goal for Montour is to replicate the triumph he enjoyed in Florida while creating new memories in Seattle. “Winning in Florida was remarkable for everyone involved in the team’s history,” he noted. “To achieve success again with a new team would be incredibly special.”