Buffalo Sabres defenceman Brandon Montour was a name that veteran Sportsnet hockey reporters Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek brought up recently on their 31 Thoughts Podcast.
In discussing restricted NHL free agency, and how some may not get qualifying offers, it was Friedman who brought up Montour’s name.
“You know who I heard is going to be that guy too maybe? Brandon Montour in Buffalo,” Friedman said. Marek responded to that comment by saying, “I heard that.”
Montour, who on February 24th 2019, was traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Sabres, played in 54 regular season games this year where he chipped in with five goals and 18 points. Proving to be strong defensively he finished the shortened season with a steady +13 rating which isn’t bad for a rebuilding team. Since coming over from Anaheim for prospect Brendan Guhle and a first round pick, Montour has scored eight goals, 28 points and a +9 in 74 games. According to Cap Friendly website, Montour’s qualifying offer would be in the $3.525 million dollar range.
During this past trade deadline, Montour’s name came up in several rumors including those involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. Only time will tell if next season he is still wearing the Sabres sweater.
