The Toronto Maple Leafs have encountered multiple obstacles in their pursuit of top free agents this July. The latest setback involves 30-year-old defenseman Brandon Montour, fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers, who has decided to join the Seattle Kraken instead.
In an interview on TSN’s OverDrive on July 18, Montour explained his decision to decline the Leafs’ offer. “There were conversations with the Maple Leafs,” Montour confirmed. “I saw myself fitting in and contributing, which was appealing. But family considerations and business decisions played a significant role in my choice.”
On July 1, Montour signed a seven-year, $49.98 million contract with the Kraken. Despite being from Brantford, Ontario, Montour was attracted to Seattle by the opportunity to help secure the franchise’s first Stanley Cup, much like his experience with the Panthers.
“Winning Florida’s first championship was incredibly special,” Montour reflected. “The chance to replicate that in Seattle is exciting.”
Montour’s impressive season with the Panthers, culminating in their Stanley Cup win, made him a sought-after free agent. During the 2023-24 season, he tallied 8 goals and 25 assists, totaling 33 points in 66 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he added 3 goals and 8 assists, contributing 11 points to the Panthers’ championship run.
Even though the Kraken missed the playoffs in 2024, Montour saw promise in the young team. Seattle, which joined the NHL in the 2021-22 season, made its first playoff appearance in 2023, reaching the second round before losing to the Dallas Stars.
Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks with the 55th overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft, Montour has played for the Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, and Panthers, amassing 252 points in 510 regular-season games.
Chris Johnston of The Chris Johnston Show noted that Montour had several attractive options, including a potential short-term deal with the Leafs. “He’s going to Seattle to win. He could have signed for one year and $3 million with about ten other teams,” Johnston said. “The Leafs were among those teams, trying to pitch him on playing alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.”
The Leafs also pursued defenseman Matt Roy, who opted for a four-year, $14 million deal with the Washington Capitals over Toronto. On the Steve Dangle Podcast, Johnston remarked, “Matt Roy was a significant target. They were also interested in Brady Skjei and inquired about Brett Pesce, but those discussions didn’t progress. Roy was a big miss.”
Furthermore, the Leafs attempted to sign forward Jeff Skinner after the Sabres bought out his contract. However, Skinner chose a one-year, $3 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Johnston explained that Toronto’s recent lack of success has made it less attractive to top free agents.
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