The Seattle Kraken are getting a key piece of their blue line back a little earlier than expected. On Thursday, the team activated defenseman Brandon Montour from injured reserve, clearing the way for his return to the lineup. To make room on the roster, forward Jacob Melanson was reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley.
Montour’s return is a welcome surprise for Seattle. The veteran defenseman had undergone hand surgery just before Christmas, with initial timelines suggesting he’d be out for at least a month. Instead, he’s back ahead of schedule, giving the Kraken a much-needed boost as they continue to grind through a tightly contested Western Conference.
Montour’s impact on this team can’t be overstated. Last season, he led all Kraken defensemen with 41 points over a full 82-game slate, justifying the seven-year, $50 million contract he signed in free agency.
While Vince Dunn has since taken over the top spot in terms of production from the back end, Montour remains a steady and valuable contributor. Through 27 games this season, he’s posted six goals and 16 points-solid numbers for a defenseman-and he’s logging nearly 22 minutes per night (21:56 TOI), a clear indication of how much the coaching staff relies on him.
But it’s not just the box score where Montour is making his mark. His underlying numbers tell the story of a player quietly driving play on a team that desperately needs it.
Montour leads all Seattle defensemen with a 51.3% Corsi For percentage, meaning the Kraken are controlling more than half of the shot attempts when he’s on the ice. That’s no small feat on a team that has struggled to generate quality chances at even strength.
Seattle is controlling just 41.4% of high-danger scoring opportunities at 5-on-5-one of the worst marks in the league-but they’ve managed to stay afloat thanks to timely scoring, a sturdy defensive structure, and elite goaltending.
Montour’s ability to transition the puck, jump into the rush, and still hold his own in the defensive zone makes him a critical piece for a Kraken squad trying to claw its way into playoff position. His return could help stabilize a blue line that’s been serviceable but lacking some of the dynamic puck movement that Montour brings.
As for Melanson, his demotion is more about roster mechanics than performance. The 22-year-old winger had been seeing regular ice time recently, even leapfrogging Tye Kartye on the depth chart at one point.
But with waiver eligibility on his side, Melanson was the odd man out when it came time to make room for Montour. He’s made the most of his opportunities this season, putting up a goal and four points across 15 NHL games.
Originally a fifth-round pick in 2021, Melanson has also tallied 14 points in 23 games with Coachella Valley, showing continued development in his game.
The Kraken now move forward with a deeper, more experienced blue line-and in a season where every point matters, getting Montour back ahead of schedule could be a turning point.