CALIFORNIA — Brandon Montour is the real deal. After being selected 55th overall in the second round, the ex-Caledonia Corvair is well on his way to a long and fruitful NHL career, according to many hockey insiders.
His praises are being retold across the hockey world as a real potential game changer for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. According to Hockey’sFuture online prospects resource, “Montour is an offensively-inclined defenseman whose style of play can make him a bit of a risk, but he has become very good at anticipating when to jump up into the play and when to exercise caution. A late bloomer, he was drafted in his third year of eligibility following a strong USHL season. He skates and passes well and is strong with the puck. Defensively, his play in his own end is still a work in progress but should improve as he gains experience and strength.”
Montour has been with Anaheim AHL affiliate San Diego Gulls in 2015-16 and has been having his positional game tweaked by Gull’s coaching staff. He has responded well to the process.
“In his first season of pro hockey,” says Hockey’sFuture, “he is the leading scorer amongst Gulls’ defensemen. Montour has been dominant at times but his positional play is still evolving. His risk taking can sometimes get him in bad spots — whether it’s taking undisciplined penalties or getting caught out of position. With his combination of offensive instincts and drive to score, Montour projects as a player capable of causing havoc from the back end of the attack and running an NHL power play effectively. With added bulk and strength and refined positional play he has a high upside.”
In 68 games played to date this season with the Gulls, Montour, a defenseman, has scored 12 goals and assisted on 45 for 57 points. Montour and the Gulls begin the playoff run against the Texas Stars this Thursday April 21st. Track Brandon on pay per view online site at AHL.Live.
