Montreal Canadiens Re-Acquire Phillip Danault From L.A. Kings
The Canadiens traded a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Phillip Danault, who played parts of six seasons in Montreal before.
thehockeynews.comHere’s the latest on Phillip Danault, based on the most recent widely reported updates.
Direct answer
- Phillip Danault was traded back to the Montreal Canadiens from the Los Angeles Kings in December 2025, with Montreal sending a 2026 second-round pick to Los Angeles. This move reunited Danault with the Canadiens after several seasons away. [Sources: USA Today article on the trade, The Hockey News recap ][1][3]
Context and key developments
- Contract and role: Danault was under a six-year deal with a 10-team no-trade clause at the time of the trade, carrying a $5.5 million annual cap hit. Montreal hoped he would provide veteran two-way balance and depth at center during their playoff push.[3][1]
- Kings situation: The Kings benefited by freeing roughly $5.5 million of cap space this season and next, while adding a young core around Anze Kopitar as his future with the team evolved.[3]
- Canadiens’ roster context: Montreal faced injuries at center (Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook) around the time of the trade, which made Danault’s return particularly timely for down-the-middle depth.[1][3]
Subsequent coverage and sentiment
- Danault publicly addressed his return after the trade, signaling his readiness to contribute and his connection to Montreal fans.[6][9]
- By spring 2026, reports noted that Danault’s offensive production had cooled, with a focus on his defensive impact and faceoff work as his role evolved within the Canadiens’ lineup.[5][9]
- Ongoing coverage through spring 2026 highlighted that Danault remained a steady, veteran presence, though not at the peak offensive output of his previously strong seasons.[8][5]
Illustrative snapshot
- If you’re evaluating his impact: expect more emphasis on defensive play, penalty-killing responsibilities, and reliable possession against tough matchups, with offense fluctuating based on linemate quality and health of the team around him. This pattern aligns with the trade rationale and subsequent commentary.[5][1][3]
Would you like a quick side-by-side table comparing Danault’s 2024-25 season with his 2025-26 role in Montreal, or a brief timeline of the trade and its immediate effects on both teams? I can also pull the most recent game-by-game stats if you’re tracking his current form.