Nearly a week has passed since the Los Angeles Kings traded Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens. Both teams have progressed, and Danault made his season debut with Montreal on Tuesday. Before his first game back in Montreal, Danault addressed the media for the first time since the trade, candidly sharing his feelings about his tenure with the Kings and the reasons behind the move.
The 32-year-old veteran expressed frustration, saying, “I felt like I had no purpose and that I couldn’t contribute with what I had. I felt powerless and insignificant. That’s how I felt in the end.” This was ahead of Montreal’s 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins, Danault’s first game after returning. Despite his presence, he didn’t record any points.
Danault centered Montreal’s third line alongside Alexandre Texier on the left wing and Josh Anderson on the right. He logged 24 shifts and 15 minutes, 29 seconds of ice time, slightly less than his 16 minutes, 19 seconds average during his time with Los Angeles this season. Born in Victoriaville, Quebec, Danault is still searching for his first goal of the season, having participated in 31 games with five assists so far.
In his previous five seasons with the Canadiens, before joining the Kings as a free agent, Danault played 360 games, scoring 54 goals and totaling 194 points. He maintained a plus-47 rating and averaged 16 minutes, 53 seconds on the ice during his first stint with Montreal.
The trade details surfaced amid some tension, with insiders revealing that Danault’s departure from the Kings was marked by confusion and strong emotions. Danault carries a $5.5 million cap hit with Montreal, making him the sixth-highest paid forward on the team this season. He has one year left on his contract beyond this season.
Fan Take: This news is significant for hockey fans as it highlights how a change of scenery can impact a seasoned player’s performance and morale. Danault’s move back to Montreal could revitalize his contributions and ultimately affect the team’s dynamics as the season progresses.
