Last Friday, the Los Angeles Kings traded Phillip Danault back to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Although the trade happened nearly a week ago, speculation continues about the Kings and Danault’s complicated separation.
David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period reported that the Carolina Hurricanes showed interest in the 32-year-old veteran center, but negotiations fell apart because the Kings were not keen on the assets Carolina proposed. Consequently, Ken Holland and the Kings’ management chose to accept the Canadiens’ offer instead.
The Hurricanes’ proposed package reportedly included Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a 25-year-old forward, but the Kings had no interest in acquiring him. Kotkaniemi, a former third overall pick, is in the fourth year of an eight-year contract worth $4.82 million annually. Currently, he is underperforming as a third-line center for Carolina, having played 20 games this season with just two goals and four assists. Despite his potential, Kotkaniemi’s best season came in 2022-23 when he scored 18 goals, 25 assists, and 43 points across 82 games.
Similarly, Danault has faced challenges this season, recording only five assists and no goals in 31 games. While he may not consistently light up the scoresheet, he has generally contributed over 40 points yearly during his time with the Kings, explaining why a Stanley Cup contender like the Hurricanes showed interest.
Danault, who recently spoke out about his trade, expressed dissatisfaction with how the Kings handled his departure. A trade involving two struggling centers might have seemed logical since both players could benefit from a fresh start. However, the Kings reportedly did not want to commit to Kotkaniemi’s remaining four years of his contract. Instead, they opted to send Danault back to Montreal, where he first gained recognition. Carolina, on the other hand, retained Kotkaniemi and will gauge his market value based on league interest.
Fan Take: This trade highlights the tricky balancing act NHL teams face between managing contracts and player performance. For hockey fans, it’s a reminder that player trades are not just about talent but also financial and strategic considerations, which can deeply influence team dynamics and the future landscape of the sport.
