The Kraken will welcome back top defenseman Brandon Montour to the line-up on Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
It’s been a tough start to the season to say the least for the 31-year-old righty who’s beginning his second campaign in the Emerald City.
Summer ankle surgery forced him to miss training camp. After returning for the first four regular season games, Montour took a personal leave-of-absence for a family matter. His first miss was the game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto last Saturday night.
It turns out Montour’s older brother Cameron Noble-Montour died of ALS on Monday following a lengthy battle with the illness.
“He battled hard,” Brandon said Saturday morning. “It puts everything in perspective with the highs that I’ve had in the last couple years, with winning (the Stanley Cup in 2024) and hockey and having babies and creating my own family. He was at home battling. Right until Monday when it happened, he was smiling, and he was ready.”
Thus far Brandon has averaged a point-a-game, with four assists. He was particularly integral in the Kraken’s 3-1 opening night victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Climate Pledge Arena. It was the club’s first ever win in a home opener.
Montour brings skill and experience, including a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers in 2024. He was acquired by the Kraken that summer and signed a seven-year contract worth more than $7.1-million per season.
He’ll be paired with lefty veteran Ryan Lindgren.
Earlier Kraken:
— Seattle Faces Monumental Oilers Challenge
Of interest from the Canucks:
— Workmanlike Canucks Come Back To Win 5-3 In Dallas
