On the ice, Brandon Montour is “highly overrated.” Off it, he’s “mean to cats.”
At least that’s what the Florida Panthers defenseman’s coach says about him.
And that’s not even to mention that Montour has a “bad attitude” and is “late to practice every day.”
Panthers coach Paul Maurice, of course, has had his tongue firmly planted in his cheek when talking about the veteran unrestricted free agent this postseason — just as Maurice has made it a point to say pending UFA forward Sam Reinhart’s success has been “a serious problem in the locker room” loud enough that potential suitors can hear him.
Both can become unrestricted free agents in 18 days.
In other words, “Mo’s” M.O. is to kiddingly disparage any of his players in the final year of their contracts to fend off interested parties.
Press Maurice further on Montour, and the act crumbles as he gushes over the most talkative, jovial and downright hilarious member of the Panthers’ tight-knit blue line — a group that helped the team allow the fewest goals in the NHL during the regular season and is once again doing it in the postseason.
Montour would love to re-sign, too. He loves living in South Florida and playing for the Panthers.
But he also can read tea leaves and knows that there is a chance that, in a few weeks, he may have to pick a new home for next season and beyond.
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Brandon Montour enjoying the Cup ride, knowing it might be last with Panthers: ‘Things are going to change’