With the long-term signings of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson this offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a major effort to bolster their defense depth. They apparently pursued another well-known defender even after he rejected their offer. With the Florida Panthers, Brandon Montour had a fantastic season and contributed to strengthening their defensive lineup, which helped them win the Stanley Cup. The Panthers were hoping that Montour’s option to leave on his expiring contract wouldn’t materialize, but it did, as he decided to sign a long-term deal with the Seattle Kraken.
In a recent statement, Montour acknowledged that he gave the Maple Leafs’ contract some thought but eventually chose to decline it. The Maple Leafs should be pleased with their offseason acquisitions, but it hurts to know that they attempted to acquire one more potent defensive player but were unable to make it work.
In the 2024–25 season, Montour becomes a member of a formidable Kraken squad that hopes to push its way into the postseason. They have a club that, if everything goes right, might sneak into the playoffs thanks to some smart off-season additions, and Montour might be the experienced player they need to earn some respect and make a run at the championship. While the Maple Leafs should be pleased with their offseason acquisitions, the addition of Montour might have been the cherry on top that elevated them from contender to favorite. The addition of Anthony Stolarz, the re-signing of Max Domi, and increased defense depth should be enough to give supporters hope that the Maple Leafs, even in the absence of Montour, can go far in the playoffs. What Position Would Montour Have Held on the Maple Leafs?
Some Maple Leafs supporters will be left wondering what may have happened if Montour had chosen to sign with the team after giving them serious consideration. Where he would have fit in the lineup is an important consideration, as it appears he could have played with his former Panther teammate Ekman-Larsson in the second pairing on the right side. The squad would have been better off if they had been successful in their chase of the 30-year-old Stanley Cup champion, but it appears that Timothy Liljegren will have the opportunity in the top-four group, which isn’t terrible. Even without Montour, s is capable of a deep playoff run. Montour had some great offensive output the previous season that the team would have loved to add to their back end, even though the Maple Leafs would have benefitted from his defensive play. Throughout his 66 games with the Panthers last season, he recorded eight goals, 25 assists, and 33 points. In 24 postseason games, he added another 11 points. He is the precise man that Maple Leafs supporters would have liked to see aid their club both on and off the ice as a seasoned player fresh off a championship win, but sadly, that didn’t happen.The only person who will ever know for sure why Montour declined to accept a contract with the Maple Leafs is himself. When it comes to having a chance to compete, the Maple Leafs have many advantages. They have among of the NHL’s most devoted supporters, if not the most, and they play in a fantastic arena. In any case, even though they lost out on Montour, they have a solid enough roster that supporters should be optimistic about their chances of contending for a Stanley Cup this year. If the Maple Leafs perceive a problem with how their defense is looking, they still have a few months until the regular season begins to strengthen their defensive depth now, so there’s no need to freak out.You shouldn’t become alarmed.