phillip danault

Phillip Danault Returns to Montreal: A Homecoming with Strategic Implications

The hockey world was set ablaze on December 19, 2025, when the Montreal Canadiens officially announced the reacquisition of veteran center Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings. The move, confirmed by both the NHL and La Presse, marks a significant moment in Canadiens history—a player beloved by fans during his first tenure (2015–2021) returns to a team in transition. But beyond nostalgia, this trade carries strategic weight for a franchise aiming to rebuild its identity. Here’s what you need to know.

The Trade: What We Know (Verified Facts)

According to NHL.com and La Presse, the Canadiens acquired Danault in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick, originally owned by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The deal was finalized on Friday, December 19, 2025, and marks Danault’s return to Montreal after four seasons with the Kings.

Key details from verified sources:
- Danault’s role: A two-way forward known for his defensive reliability, faceoff prowess, and leadership.
- Compensation: A future second-round pick (2026), not a current roster player, suggesting the Kings prioritized draft capital over immediate returns.
- Timeline: The trade occurred amid speculation about Danault’s future, with TVA Sports reporting the Kings had sought Jake Evans (a pending RFA) in negotiations—though this demand was not met.

As NHL.com noted, the trade aligns with the Canadiens’ long-term rebuild, adding a veteran presence to a young core.

Recent Updates: Timeline of Events

Here’s how the Danault saga unfolded in the 48 hours leading to the trade:

1. December 18, 2025: Rumors surface that Danault’s agent, Allan Walsh, denied reports of a trade request, but TSN’s Pierre LeBrun confirms multiple teams are inquiring about the 32-year-old.
2. December 19 (Morning): TVA Sports reports the Kings are demanding Jake Evans as part of any deal, sparking debate over the Canadiens’ willingness to part with young talent.
3. December 19 (Afternoon): The trade is finalized—Danault to Montreal, a 2026 second-rounder to Los Angeles. No players or additional picks involved.
4. Post-Trade: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes releases a brief statement: “Phillip brings experience, accountability, and a winning culture to our locker room. We’re thrilled to welcome him back.”

While the Kings’ return seems light (a single draft pick), analysts speculate Los Angeles may have prioritized clearing cap space ($5.5M AAV) over maximizing value.

Context: Why This Trade Matters

Danault’s Legacy in Montreal

Danault’s first stint with the Canadiens (2015–2021) was defined by:
- Defensive excellence: A top penalty-killer and faceoff specialist (career 52.3% win rate).
- Leadership: Served as alternate captain during the 2021 Stanley Cup Final run.
- Fan favorite: Known for his work ethic and community engagement in Quebec.

His departure in 2021 (free agency) was a blow to fans, who saw him as a bridge between the team’s rebuild and its future core.

The Kings’ Perspective

Acquired from Montreal in 2021 for a first-round pick and a prospect, Danault’s tenure in Los Angeles was solid but unspectacular:
- Regular-season: 133 points in 264 games (0.50 PPG).
- Playoffs: 3 points in 10 games across two appearances.
- Decline: His production dipped in 2024–25 (38 points in 82 games), raising questions about his fit in a younger Kings lineup.

By trading him now, the Kings shed a $5.5M cap hit and pivot toward developing prospects like Alex Turcotte and Quinton Byfield.

The Canadiens’ Calculated Gamble

Montreal’s strategy is twofold:
1. Veteran mentorship: Danault joins a roster of rising stars (Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovský, Cole Caufield) needing guidance.
2. Faceoff stability: The Canadiens ranked 28th in faceoff win percentage (48.1%) in 2024–25—Danault’s 52.3% career rate is a direct upgrade.

As The Athletic’s Arpon Basu noted, “This isn’t about nostalgia. Danault’s defensive IQ and locker-room presence are exactly what a young team needs to take the next step.”

Immediate Effects: Winners and Losers

For the Canadiens:

• Roster impact: Danault likely slots in as the third-line center or 1A on the penalty kill, freeing Suzuki to focus on offense.
• Chemistry: His familiarity with former teammates (e.g., Brendan Gallagher, Joel Edmundson) could accelerate integration.
• Cap flexibility: The Canadiens retain $1.5M in cap space, preserving room to add another piece at the deadline.

For the Kings:

• Cap relief: Los Angeles now has $5.5M in additional space, potentially to pursue a high-impact forward.
• Draft capital: The 2026 second-rounder could become valuable in a deep draft class.
• Roster gap: Danault’s departure leaves a hole on the PK and in the bottom-six.

For Fans:

• Montreal: Euphoria—Danault is a beloved figure, and his return symbolizes hope.
• Los Angeles: Mixed reactions—some appreciate his effort, others see the trade as overdue.

Future Outlook: What’s Next?

Short-Term (2025–26 Season)

• Montreal’s playoff push: Danault’s presence could push the Canadiens into wild-card contention, especially if their young stars take a leap.
• Kings’ retool: Look for Los Angeles to target a middle-six forward (e.g., Brock Nelson, Tomas Hertl) in free agency or trades.

Long-Term (2026 and Beyond)

• Danault’s contract: Signed through 2026–27, he could serve as a bridge to a younger center (e.g., David Reinbacher, Michael Hage).
• Draft implications: The 2026 second-rounder may become a bargaining chip in future deals—or a key piece if Montreal’s rebuild accelerates.
• Legacy: If Danault helps Montreal reach the playoffs, his return will be remembered as a masterstroke. If not, critics may question the cost of a draft pick.

Unanswered Questions

• Did the Canadiens overpay? A second-rounder for a 32-year-old with declining production is a calculated risk.
• Can Danault stay healthy? Injuries limited him to 64 games in 2024–25.
• Will the Kings regret this? If the 2026 draft is weak, Los Angeles may rue not demanding more.

Final Verdict: A Win-Win with Caveats

The Danault trade is a low-risk, high-reward move for Montreal. While the draft pick is a tangible cost, the intangibles—leadership, defensive reliability, and fan morale—are invaluable for a team on the rise. For Los Angeles, it’s a pragmatic decision to free cap space and embrace youth.

As Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman put it: “This isn’t about the past. It’s about the future. Danault’s job isn’t to carry the team—it’s to teach the kids how to win.”