Brandon Montour Officially Confirms Maple Leafs Connection

In a recent twist in NHL free agency, Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour has officially confirmed that he was considering signing a deal with the Maple Leafs.

Montour, a key player in this summer's free agent market, has made headlines by inking a seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken, valued at $7,142,857 annually. The right-shot defenseman, highly sought after for his playing caliber, was a notable figure among the robust market for defensemen.

The connection between Montour and the Toronto Maple Leafs had been a topic of conversation well before his signing on July 1st. Montour's fit with the Leafs seemed almost predestined due to his skills and the team's needs. However, despite the promising prospects, Montour ultimately chose Seattle for his long-term future.

During a recent interview on TSN's OverDrive, Montour shed light on the discussions with Toronto, acknowledging the allure of joining the team.

"There were conversations. I mean, you look at their roster, you look at yourself. And, for me, I looked at myself and saw the player and definitely could help and was intriguing in that week. There were talks, but again, there's a lot that goes into it with family and what they need and what I need and business decisions and such. But there were definitely talks. We were excited. We thought about it. But, tons of options for us, and obviously grateful for Seattle, and we're excited about that experience and excited to get down there and kind of get started with, you know, you could say a new organization."

Despite Montour's decision, the Maple Leafs quickly pivoted to other options. They secured Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars and signed him to a six-year deal worth $4.5M per season. Additionally, Oliver Ekman-Larsson joined the team on a four-year contract, setting his annual earnings at $3.5M. The team is also reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Jani Hakanpaa, which would bring him on board for two years at $1.5M annually, pending a medical evaluation.

As Montour prepares to start his journey with the Kraken, the Maple Leafs continue to adapt and strengthen their roster, reflecting the dynamic nature of NHL team strategies during the off-season.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

The Case of Matthew Knies and Future Cap Management for the Maple Leafs

Reunion at ex-Maple Leafs Wedding Spells a Summer of Celebrations

Toronto Maple Leafs' Shanahan on Thin Ice Amidst MLSE Management Shakeup

POLL
18 JUILLET \| 76 ANSWERS Brandon Montour Officially Confirms Maple Leafs Connection Are you disappointed that Brandon Montour didn't choose the Leafs this summer?
Yes, he'd have been a better addition than Tanev	33	43.4 %
No, Montour is overrated	22	28.9 %
Don't care, just win	21	27.6 %
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