Veteran Defenseman Montour Aims for 2026 Winter Olympics

In the aftermath of his Stanley Cup triumph with the Florida Panthers in 2024, veteran defenseman Brandon Montour has turned his attention to an even greater goal: representing Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano.

Montour, who is currently 31 years old, narrowly missed out on making the 4 Nations roster earlier this year, but he remains undeterred. Eager to prove his worth on the international stage, he attended Canada's Olympic orientation camp in Calgary this past August.

The competition for a spot on Team Canada's roster will be fierce, with the country's hockey talent pool overflowing with elite players. Canada has already announced the inclusion of superstars like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon, leaving little room for others to break into the lineup.

However, Montour is determined to seize his opportunity. His strong performance at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he tallied nine points, has not gone unnoticed. Now, with the Olympics on the horizon, the defenseman is driven to showcase his consistency and growth in order to earn a spot alongside the likes of Crosby and McDavid.

As the anticipation builds around the upcoming Olympic hockey tournament, Montour's pursuit of his dream represents the grit and determination of a veteran player who refuses to let a previous setback deter him. If his form continues to impress, the Panthers' Cup champion may yet have the chance to don the Maple Leaf and compete on the world's biggest stage.