Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour will be sidelined for approximately four weeks following hand surgery, the team announced Monday. The 31-year-old sustained the injury during the Kraken's December 16 game against the Colorado Avalanche, a 5-3 loss for Seattle. He had to leave that game early and has already missed the subsequent two games.

The incident occurred during a scrum behind the Avalanche net in the third period. Montour received a double-minor penalty for roughing Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns on the play.

Montour's absence is a significant blow to the Kraken. He is second among Kraken defensemen in scoring, with six goals and 10 assists, totaling 16 points in 27 games this season. His average ice time of 21:56 per game is the second-highest on the team, highlighting his importance to the Kraken's defensive play.

The Kraken, currently sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division with a 13-14-6 record, are already struggling. They are seven points away from securing a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, currently held by the Los Angeles Kings and Utah Mammoth. The team has lost 10 of their last 12 games. Montour's absence further complicates their efforts to climb in the standings.

Montour is expected to remain out of action until mid-to-late January.

Montour joined the Kraken in July 2024, signing a seven-year, $50 million contract after a stint with the Florida Panthers, where he helped the team win their first Stanley Cup. Drafted 55th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2014, Montour has played 628 career games across his time with the Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Panthers, and Kraken, amassing 90 goals and 309 points.