The Seattle Kraken announced that defenseman Brandon Montour has undergone successful hand surgery and will miss approximately the next four weeks. Montour sustained the injury during a game against the Colorado Avalanche on December 16. This setback adds to the team's growing list of injured players as they face upcoming challenges.
On Monday, December 22, the Seattle Kraken placed defenseman Brandon Montour on injured reserve following successful hand surgery. The 30-year-old had been listed as day-to-day but now faces a recovery period of about four weeks. Montour was injured in the December 16 game against the Colorado Avalanche, where he exited early after a fight and did not return.
In 27 games this season, Montour has contributed 16 points, including six goals and 10 assists. He ranks second on the team in average time on ice per game at 21:56 minutes. His absence compounds the Kraken's injury woes, with forwards Jared McCann, Berkly Catton, and Jaden Schwartz, as well as goaltender Matt Murray, already sidelined with long-term issues.
The Kraken recently snapped a four-game losing streak with a victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. However, they cannot afford further losses ahead of road games against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday at 7 p.m. PT and the Los Angeles Kings the following day. The NHL's roster freeze, in effect until December 28 due to the holiday break, prevents Seattle from calling up reinforcements.
In Montour's place, defenseman Josh Mahura has stepped into the third pairing alongside Ryker Evans. Mahura, who has been a healthy scratch for most games, has recorded two points in 18 appearances this season. This opportunity could allow him to solidify his role while the team navigates this tough stretch.