PUBLICATION
L. Honein
July 20, 2025Â Â (10:59)
Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In the summer of 2021, the Montreal Canadiens made a major mistake by letting Phillip Danault walk.
He had expressed his desire to stay in Montreal, but due to a $500,000 disagreement, the Quebec-born forward instead joined the Los Angeles Kings, where he became a key piece of the puzzle for the California team.
The Kings gave him a more offensive role, and he even scored 27 goals in his first season in L.A.- a career high.
However, the Kings organization is now at a crossroads. After four straight first-round playoff exits at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, changes are needed.
What if Phillip Danault Were the Second-Line Center the Canadiens Have Been Searching For?
This possibility was floated by insider Marc-Olivier Beaudoin. While there haven’t been any formal rumors about it, it’s still something worth considering.
“I don’t know if Danault would be open to returning to Montreal, I don’t know if the Kings would be willing to trade him (they’re in ‘win-now’ mode), but it would be such a strong addition to the offense.”
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin
Now 32 years old, Danault still has two seasons remaining on the contract he signed in summer 2021, which pays him $5.5 million per year.
Looking at the Kings’ current lineup, he’s likely to start the upcoming season as their third-line center-but it’s very likely he could serve as the second-line center in Montreal.
In four seasons wearing black and silver, the Victoriaville native has tallied 195 points, including 70 goals, in 319 games.
Previously on HabsFanatics
POLL
1 HOUR AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 213 ANSWERS
Analyst Suggests Trade to Bring Back Former Fan Favourite and Perfect Fit for Current Canadiens Lineup
Would you trade Mike Matheson for Phillip Danault?