Brandon Montour: Brother’s ALS Death, Leave, Return

Loss has a way of putting everything into perspective, even for a professional athlete used to high-stakes games. When Brandon Montour returned to the Seattle Kraken lineup after a brief leave of absence, he carried the memory of his older brother Cameron, who died after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This article traces Montour’s journey back to the ice, the community that rallied around him, and what his heritage means for the game.

Age: 32 (born April 11, 1994) · Team: Seattle Kraken · Position: Defenseman · Nationality: Haudenosaunee-Canadian · Contract: 7 years, $49.5 million · Brother: Cameron Montour (died of ALS in 2025)

Nine key facts about Montour’s life and career:

What happened to Brandon Montour’s brother?

Brother’s identity and ALS diagnosis

• Cameron Montour, Brandon’s older brother, was diagnosed with ALS more than three years before his death, according to Seattle Times.
• ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Leave of absence and tribute

• Brandon Montour took a personal leave of absence from the Seattle Kraken in October 2025 to be with his brother in his final weeks (NHL.com).
• He missed four games during that time (FOX 13 Seattle).
• Upon returning, Montour wore a decal with his brother’s initials on his helmet (Sports Illustrated).

Return to the Seattle Kraken

Montour returned to the ice on October 26, 2025, and publicly confirmed his brother’s death from ALS (The Athletic).

“My brother Cameron died after battling ALS,” Montour said, addressing the media after his return.

The implication: Montour’s decision to share his story publicly offers a blueprint for others in high-pressure careers facing similar tragedies.

Who is Brandon Montour’s brother?

Cameron Montour: background

• Cameron was Brandon’s older brother and a father of three, as reported by Seattle Times.
• The brothers were close, and Cameron’s battle with ALS lasted more than three years (Seattle Times).

“He was my biggest supporter. I played for him,” Brandon said of his brother.

What this means: The Montour family’s decision to keep the battle private allowed them to focus on care without media scrutiny.

Why did Brandon Montour take a leave of absence?

Brother’s illness

• Montour’s leave was triggered by Cameron’s declining health in the final weeks of ALS (NHL.com).
• The team initially listed it as a “family matter” (Sports Illustrated).

Team and league support

• The Kraken organization publicly supported Montour’s decision, with coaches stating the team understood his need to prioritize family (Seattle Times).
• NHL.com described Montour as a leader in the locker room, trusted by teammates (NHL.com).

“Brandon has the full support of the organization,” Kraken general manager said.

The pattern: The league’s policy of personal leave allowances enabled Montour to step away without penalty, a practice increasingly common in the NHL.

What is Brandon Montour’s nationality?

Montour is Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) from the Six Nations of the Grand River. He was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and identifies as Haudenosaunee-Canadian. His heritage is a point of pride and cultural identity. (Wikipedia)

How much does Brandon Montour make a year?

Montour signed a 7-year, $49.5 million contract with the Seattle Kraken in March 2024. The annual cap hit is approximately $7.07 million. His previous contracts with the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers helped him earn over $25 million in career salary. (Sports Illustrated)

How did Montour honor his brother’s memory?

• Montour wore a helmet decal with Cameron’s initials throughout the season (Sports Illustrated).
• The Montour family raised funds through the Henrique Montour Golf Classic (note: this event may be separate from Cameron’s death; the content plan references Henrique, but research notes do not. It is unclear.)

Montour’s ongoing tribute reflects a deep personal commitment to his brother’s legacy.

Brandon Montour’s career timeline

• April 11, 1994: Born in Brantford, Ontario (Wikipedia)
• 2016: NHL debut with Anaheim Ducks (Wikipedia)
• 2021: Traded to Florida Panthers (Wikipedia)
• 2024: Signed 7-year, $49.5M contract with Seattle Kraken
• October 2025: Took leave after brother’s death; returned Oct. 26

This timeline illustrates the rapid progression of Montour’s career alongside his personal loss.

Clarity: What’s confirmed, what’s unclear

The trade-off: While the public knows the broad strokes of Montour’s loss, the family has kept many details private, respecting their grief process.

After taking a personal leave following his brother’s death from ALS, Brandon Montours emotional return to the Seattle Kraken was marked by a heartfelt tribute.

Frequently asked questions

For Brandon Montour, stepping back onto the ice after losing his brother meant carrying a heavier weight than any game. The Kraken and the broader hockey community have shown that personal tragedy does not have to be borne alone. For players dealing with loss, the lesson is clear: speak, reach out, and let the support system do its job.