**Brandon Montour Confirms Turning Down Offer From Maple Leafs**
The Toronto Maple Leafs made significant efforts to improve their defensive depth this offseason, signing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to long-term deals. They also pursued Brandon Montour, a standout defender who had a strong season with the Florida Panthers and helped them win the Stanley Cup. However, Montour, who was on an expiring contract, chose to join the Seattle Kraken instead. In a recent statement, Montour acknowledged he considered the Maple Leafs’ offer but ultimately turned it down. While the Leafs made notable moves this offseason, missing out on Montour stings, knowing he could have been another strong defensive addition.
Montour joins a competitive Kraken team aiming for a postseason push in the 2024-25 campaign. They made strong offseason moves and have the potential to make the playoffs, with Montour as a key veteran player. Although the Maple Leafs should be pleased with their offseason acquisitions, adding Montour could have solidified their status as favorites. Re-signing Max Domi, signing Anthony Stolarz, and bolstering their defensive depth should give fans confidence in a deep playoff run, even without Montour.
**Where Would Montour Have Fit With the Maple Leafs?**
Montour’s decision not to sign with the Maple Leafs leaves fans wondering about his potential impact. He could have slotted into the second-pairing on the right side alongside former teammate Ekman-Larsson. Instead, Timothy Liljegren will likely get the opportunity in the top-four group. While this isn’t a bad option, having Montour, a 30-year-old Stanley Cup champion, would have been better.
Montour’s defensive skills and offensive production last season would have been valuable for the Maple Leafs. He scored eight goals and added 25 assists for 33 points in 66 games with the Panthers, plus 11 points in 24 playoff games. His experience and recent championship victory make him the kind of player the Leafs’ fans would have wanted to help their team on and off the ice.
The reasons behind Montour’s decision to turn down the Leafs’ offer remain unknown. Despite this, the Leafs have a strong team and loyal fans, and they remain close to contending for the Stanley Cup. With a couple of months left until the regular season, the Leafs still have time to make additional moves to bolster their defensive depth if needed, so there’s no reason to panic.
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