Ex-Sabres Star Connected to Maple Leafs
Will this former Sabres defenseman be a target for the Maple Leafs?
© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports - Ex-Sabres Star Connected to Maple LeafsFormer Buffalo Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour is on a tear right now. The right-shot defenseman has two goals and five points over his last two games against the Boston Bruins. With it, he has three goals, eight points, and a plus-2 rating in eight playoff contests.
Montour stepping up his play during the playoffs could not have come at a better time for him. The 30-year-old is a pending UFA, and his outstanding play is only increasing his value.
If the Panthers cannot get Montour re-signed before free agency, he will be a very hot commodity. He's an offensive defenseman who plays a heavy game, which is a nice bonus. One specific club that is being viewed as a possible landing spot for him if he hits the market is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman named Montour a clear potential target for the Maple Leafs if he reaches free agency.
Given the Maple Leafs' clear need to improve their blueline, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they made a push for Montour this offseason. If signed, he would immediately become their top right-shot defenseman and boost their power play significantly.
Seeing Montour play for a big-time rival for the Leafs would sting for Sabres fans, but on paper, he looks like exactly the kind of defender they need right now. Time will tell if the Leafs end up landing him this summer from here, but there's no question that the Panthers will work hard to get him a new deal to avoid that possibility.