Kraken Sign 'Proven Winner' Brandon Montour

The Seattle Kraken made their biggest free-agent splash in franchise history Monday by signing defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year contract worth $7.14 million per year.

Montour, 30, immediately becomes Seattle's top blueliner. He was the premier defenseman on the UFA market this year. Kraken GM Ron Francis has sent a clear message: Seattle is aiming for a playoff spot this coming season. Montour's individual stats�eight goals and 33 points in 66 games last season with Florida�might be a concern. However, in 2022-23, he posted a career-best 16 goals and 73 points in 80 games with the Panthers. As a right-shot defenseman, Montour will pair with left-hander Vince Dunn on Seattle's top defensive pairing and is expected to contribute offensively as well as defensively.

Montour's experience winning the Stanley Cup with the Panthers this past season will be invaluable to the Kraken's growth. While he is under pressure to justify Francis' significant investment, Seattle's player-friendly market should help him fit in well and become a key fixture for the Kraken.

«Brandon is a proven winner, and we are thrilled to have him joining our organization,» said Kraken GM Ron Francis in a statement. «We're looking forward to him making his Kraken debut in front of the best fans in the NHL.»

Francis still has $15.3 million in cap space after the Montour deal, with 16 of 23 roster spots filled. Montour's signing will likely be the centerpiece of Seattle's offseason. The Pacific Division just got more competitive with his arrival.

Montour isn't a savior or superstar, but he can provide over 23 minutes per game of solid defending. His skill set was bound to be rewarded, and Seattle is the perfect fit.

The expectations of Cup contention are high in the Kraken organization. With the newer expansion team Vegas showing a Cup win is possible, Seattle must grow quickly. Montour will clearly help in that regard.