The Seattle Kraken were widely expected to use their 1st round draft pick on a position where they lacked organizational depth: defense. So, of course, general manager Ron Francis on Friday chose a center, Berkly Catton.
In the opening day of NHL free agency Monday, the Kraken were expected to address their most glaring need: offense. So, of course, their first big free-agent splash was a defenseman, Brandon Montour from the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers; signing the 30-year-old blueliner to a seven-year, $49 million contract (average annual value: $7.14 million).
The six-foot, 199-pound defenseman has recorded 252 points (66 goals, 186 assists) in 520 regular-season games with the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Panthers. He had a career year in 2022-23, setting Florida franchise records for assists (57), points (73), even-strength goals (13), even-strength points (40) in a single season by a defenseman, all of which were also career highs for the blueliner.
“A whirlwind,” Montour said in a TSN interview about his last few days. No kidding – the Panthers only held their Stanley Cup parade yesterday. “First time going through this whole experience. We played Monday, had a week to celebrate with each other.”
“As all this was going on, I had to figure out what was good for me and my family and my future. We sat down for a few hours (on Tuesday.)” Montour said this followed a series of conversations with his agent during the season. “There’s so many things that go into it.”
Montour admitted that from a continent and a conference away, the Kraken weren’t a team he was overly familiar with. “We don’t play a lot, but they’re intriguing. You see the depth, the talent they have. A team that was one win away from the conference finals two years ago. They took a step back last year, but I’m going to help that tremendously.”
“Brandon is a proven winner, and we are thrilled to have him joining our organization,” Francis said in a statement.
It probably didn’t hurt Montour’s impression that in the Panthers only visit to Climate Pledge Arena last season, Seattle shut out Florida 4-0. “You can see the passion that sports city has.” He said Kraken representatives also impressed on him their desire to win.
“Being in the Final the last two years, and seeing the parade yesterday, that’s all I want to do. My goal is to get Seattle there as well.”
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