Montador missed most of the second half of the 2011-12 season because of a concussion. He skated only once after February 7, but Montador says the concussion is behind him. Like teammate Marian Hossa, he'll have to show us the money in the preseason to get a full picture for him this season. But if he really is healthy, he's good for 20-50-100-100 ... points, PIMs, hits and blocked shots.
Montador will look to continue what he did for 2010-11 for the Sabres. Montador collected a career-hit 21 assists and 26 points for Buffalo where he also notched a team-high plus-16 rating while blocking 136 shots. In essence Montador comes in to replace Brian Campbell, who was traded to Florida for former first rounder Rostisla Olesz. Keep an eye in the preseason to see how Montador fits into the mix with his new club.
Montador is old reliable on the blue line for the Sabres. He appeared in 78 games last season, and finished with a plus/minus of zero. Consistent and a gamer, Montador should be relied on for another 75 to 80 games played and end up in the 20- to 25-point neighborhood.
Montador was one of the Sabres' biggest acquisitions in the offseason; unfortunately that isn't saying much. Although he had some of best career numbers last season including 17 assists and an impressive plus-17 rating, a good portion of his success can be credited to his chemistry with fellow blueliner and linemate Bret Hedican. Now Montador is on a poor defensive Buffalo team where his plus-minus rating has a real danger of slipping into the low single digits.
Montador tallied a career-high 23 points with the Panthers last season, while coming out with a plus-1 rating despite the limited talent he shared the ice with each night. Look for an improved plus-minus now that he's in Anaheim, while a 30-point ceiling is within reach since he should be a regular the team's top-six group of blueliners following the trade of Mathieu Schneider to Atlanta.
Montador will continue to be the Panthers' physical presence on the blue line, but is likely to be platooned in and out of the lineup as opponents warrant. He will not put up numbers garnering fantasy attention.
Montador will continue to battle for ice time on a Panthers blue line that has only gotten deeper since his arrival last season. His offensive upside is limited anyway, so don't pay him any attention.
Montador and Andrew Ference are similar defensive defensemen. One would be sixth on the depth chart the other seventh. Montador probably has less offensive upside than Ference; pass on him in your draft.
