There have been numerous rumors about the Los Angeles Kings and their center, Phillip Danault, potentially being involved in a trade. This season has been disappointing for both Danault and the Kings. So far, Danault has yet to score a goal and has only managed five assists in 28 games, with his last assist coming during the Kings’ 6-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
On a recent episode of Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts, reporter Elliott Friedman mentioned that some teams have shown interest in Danault. He noted that the trade rumors seem to be a situation where both the player and the team might be open to a move. Friedman suggested viewing the scenario either as Danault’s skills declining due to age or that his time with the Kings might be coming to an end.
At 32 years old and in his 13th NHL season, Danault is in his fifth year with Los Angeles. He has consistently scored at least 40 points per season with the Kings, though last season was his least productive with 43 points, similar to the 2017-18 season when he played fewer games with the Montreal Canadiens. This season, Danault has had a slow start, registering no goals and 15 assists, but is expected to eventually improve.
Given his current offensive output, it’s challenging to justify his $5.5 million salary cap hit, despite his role as a two-way center. He has one year remaining on his contract after this season. The Kings’ general manager, Ken Holland, might find it easier than expected to secure a trade partner since middle-six centers are in relatively short supply in the trade market.
Though Danault is under contract, teams not on his 10-team no-trade list could consider acquiring him if the price is right. However, unless his performance improves, the Kings might not receive much return for his salary cap hit. Additionally, the Kings cannot retain any portion of Danault’s contract in a trade because their three retention slots are already filled.
Fan Take: This potential trade is significant because it highlights the shifting dynamics of NHL team rosters and salary cap management. For hockey fans, Danault’s situation underscores how even reliable players can face uncertainty in a competitive, cap-conscious league, impacting team strategies and player careers.
