The Toronto Maple Leafs made significant moves to strengthen their defense this offseason, securing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on long-term deals. Despite their efforts, another top defender, Brandon Montour, rejected their offer. Montour, who had a standout season with the Florida Panthers, leading them to a Stanley Cup victory, chose to join the Seattle Kraken instead.
Montour confirmed he considered the Maple Leafs’ offer but ultimately declined. While Toronto should be pleased with their offseason acquisitions, missing out on Montour is a notable loss.
The Kraken, aiming for a postseason push in the 2024-25 season, added Montour to their lineup, bolstering their chances. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, who re-signed Max Domi, added Anthony Stolarz, and enhanced their defensive depth, remain optimistic about a deep playoff run, even without Montour.
**Where Would Montour Have Fit With the Maple Leafs?**
Fans might wonder about Montour’s potential impact on the Maple Leafs. He could have slotted into the second-pairing on the right side with former teammate Ekman-Larsson. Instead, Timothy Liljegren is expected to fill that role. Although Liljegren is a solid player, Montour’s addition would have been a significant upgrade.
Montour’s offensive prowess, with eight goals and 25 assists in 66 games last season, plus 11 points in 24 playoff games, would have been a valuable asset for Toronto. As a veteran and Stanley Cup champion, he was an ideal candidate to elevate the team.
While the exact reason for Montour’s decision remains unknown, the Maple Leafs continue to have a strong team and dedicated fan base. With the regular season approaching, there’s still time for Toronto to make additional moves if needed, ensuring no need for panic.
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