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Top Defenseman Taking Personal Leave From Seattle Kraken

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 12:50 PM ET

The Seattle Kraken announced that top defenseman Brandon Montour will take a temporary leave of absence to tend to a family matter. “No further details will be shared at this time, and the team requests that his family’s privacy be respected during this period,” the Kraken said in a social media statement on Saturday.

An update on #SeaKraken defenseman Brandon Montour: pic.twitter.com/TkY9t0dU0z
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 18, 2025

Montour, 31, leads the team in assists (four) and ice time (just under 23 minutes per game) through four contests. His absence leaves Seattle’s blue line thinner, especially with Ryker Evans sidelined by an upper-body injury.

Cale Fleury is expected to fill Montour’s role in the short term, though the Kraken may consider recalling a defenseman from their AHL affiliate, Coachella Valley, to maintain depth during the remainder of their season-opening road trip.

The Kraken have not provided details on the reason for Montour’s leave, so we can only hope that it’s nothing too serious and that he and his family are in good health.

Montour has four assists in four games this season while averaging 22:48 of ice time per game.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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