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Brandon Montour (Getty Images)
Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour will be stepping away from the ice temporarily to attend to a family matter, the team confirmed on Saturday. The announcement, made via social media, emphasized the importance of respecting Montour’s family privacy.
Montour, a key defensive player, has been instrumental for the Kraken, registering four assists in four games this season while averaging nearly 23 minutes of ice time.
Brandon Montour’s impact on the Seattle Kraken
Montour’s absence comes at a time when Seattle is enjoying its best season start since the team’s inception. The Kraken currently hold a 2-0-2 record, collecting six points and sitting second in the Pacific Division. Montour’s performance has been a major contributor to this success, with a plus-three plus-minus rating already this season.
The 31-year-old defenseman isn’t far removed from a career-high 73 points in 80 games with the Florida Panthers during the 2022-23 season and a Stanley Cup win the following year. Montour joined the Kraken in 2023 on a seven-year deal worth $7.14 million per year, bringing experience, stability, and offensive skill to the back end. In 605 career NHL games, he has accumulated 297 points, including 84 goals and 213 assists.
Cale Fleury steps in during Montour’s absence
With Montour unavailable, defenseman Cale Fleury will fill the gap in Seattle’s lineup. Fleury, 26, makes his season debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs and brings five seasons of NHL experience, including 77 career games. Last season, he appeared in 14 games, recording one assist and averaging nearly 13 minutes of ice time.Seattle faces a challenging Eastern Conference road trip, taking on the Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals. Montour’s temporary absence will test the Kraken’s depth, but the team remains confident in its roster. Also Read: Connor McDavid’s historic NHL milestone goes in vain as Oilers collapse again in shocking loss to Devils
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