Phil Danault’s role with the Los Angeles Kings had decreased, which paved the way for the seasoned two-way center to get a new opportunity in a familiar setting after being traded to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. The Kings managed to obtain a second-round draft pick while also freeing up salary cap space and more ice time for other players just before the NHL’s holiday roster freeze started on Saturday. The draft picks the Kings received were originally obtained by Montreal through a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This move by the Kings was influenced by the progress of Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere, alongside offseason signings Joel Armia and Corey Perry. General manager Ken Holland also wanted to provide increased playing time for Alex Turcotte and second-year center Samuel Helenius. Holland mentioned on a Zoom call that Danault’s role had shifted mainly to penalty kills and power plays, and that he had struggled offensively this season. Holland added that he found a trade partner, believing it would be beneficial for Danault, who is returning to a city where he had much success, and the Kings gained a second-round pick and cap space.
Danault, 32, who is in the fifth year of his six-year, $33 million contract signed in 2021, scored over 40 points in each of his first four seasons with the Kings. He has missed the last four games due to illness and has recorded only five assists in 30 games this season. Holland consulted with Danault and his representatives before finalizing the trade offer.
Hailing from Victoriaville, Quebec, Danault returned to Montreal where he played six seasons and earned a reputation as one of the best defensive forwards in the league. He scored 54 goals and 194 points in 360 games with the Canadiens, who reached the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals but lost to Tampa Bay in five games. Danault was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2011 draft and spent two seasons there before his trade to Montreal.
The Canadiens added this 12-year NHL veteran to a young, rising team last year that made the playoffs for the first time since 2021. This season, they find themselves in a strong contention spot, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference with an 18-12-4 record. They are eight points behind both the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets and second-place Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, the Kings hold seventh place in the West with a 15-10-9 record, positioned among tight competition between the 10th place St. Louis Blues and 4th place Vegas Golden Knights.
The trade occurred Thursday night after the Kings improved their record against Tampa Bay from 0-2 to 2-1. Holland acknowledged the Kings’ need for more offensive firepower as they rank 28th in the NHL with an average of 2.56 goals per game, but praised the team’s strong defensive play and goaltending, ranking third in the league with 2.5 points per game. He emphasized the need for more goals, noting the Kings’ poor record in overtime and shootouts, and expressed hope that previously scoring players would regain their form.
Holland also showed support for third-year coach Jim Hiller, stating that many NHL teams are facing similar challenges near the halfway point of the season. He appreciated Hiller’s work, highlighting that the Kings play an organized and competitive game every night.
Fan Take: This trade marks an important shift for both teams, offering Danault a chance to revive his career in Montreal where he has thrived, while Los Angeles invests in promising young talent and cap flexibility. For hockey fans, it underscores the dynamic nature of roster management and how strategic trades can reshape team fortunes midseason, keeping the NHL season thrilling and unpredictable.
