Brandon Montour's Path to Team Canada and the 2026 Olympics: A Look at His World Championship Performance and Future Goals
After an impressive performance at the IIHF World Championship representing Canada, Brandon Montour, a defenseman for the Seattle Kraken, is aiming for a spot on Hockey Canada's roster. During the tournament in Sweden and Denmark, Montour contributed two goals and nine points in eight games, despite Canada finishing fifth. The event featured NHL players, excluding those involved in the playoffs. Montour expressed his gratitude for playing alongside top players like Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby and is eager for future opportunities with Team Canada.
Montour's strong showing at the world championship, where he tied for the lead in points among defensemen, has bolstered his aspirations for the 2026 Olympics in Milan. He highlighted the significance of representing Team Canada and the potential experience of being an Olympian. With his successful season in Seattle, scoring a career-high 18 goals, Montour is optimistic about his chances of making the Olympic team. He emphasized the importance of team success and hopes to contribute to a successful start for the Kraken in the upcoming season under new head coach Lane Lambert.
Despite a disappointing season for the Kraken, Montour remains determined to help the team improve and make a playoff push. The addition of players like Mason Marchment, Joseph Veleno, and Frederick Gaudreau via trade aims to enhance the team's offensive capabilities. Montour acknowledged the team's underperformance in the previous season and emphasized the need for better execution to achieve their goals. With a renewed focus and a stronger start to the season, Montour believes the Kraken can surprise critics and secure a playoff berth, showcasing his commitment to team success and personal growth.