The Montreal Canadiens are bringing back a familiar face! In a surprising move, the Canadiens have reacquired center Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings, giving up a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. But here's where it gets interesting: this pick was initially acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of the Patrik Laine trade, adding a layer of complexity to the deal.
The trade, announced late Friday by Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, comes just before the NHL's holiday freeze, which began on Saturday and ends on December 28th. With the Canadiens currently boasting the youngest team in the league, the addition of the 32-year-old Danault brings much-needed experience and defensive prowess to the center position. Despite having three forwards out with long-term injuries, the Canadiens are sitting pretty with an 18-12-4 record, just one point shy of the Atlantic Division lead.
Danault's time with the Canadiens from 2015 to 2021 was marked by his strong defensive play and a key role in the team's 2021 Stanley Cup Final run. However, a contract dispute with former general manager Marc Bergevin led to his departure as a free agent to the Kings in 2021. Now, Danault returns to Montreal with one season left on his six-year, $33 million contract.
This season, Danault has faced offensive struggles, with no goals and five assists in 30 games. Yet, his defensive abilities remain solid, as evidenced by his plus-3 differential and a faceoff win percentage of 52.9%. During his previous stint with the Canadiens, Danault formed a formidable line with Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Tatar, and the reunion with Gallagher is highly anticipated. Gallagher, also 33, has mirrored Danault's offensive struggles this season.
The Canadiens are hopeful that Danault's return will bolster their lineup, but the timing of his arrival remains uncertain. With back-to-back games against the Penguins on Saturday and Sunday, fans are eager to see if Danault will make an immediate impact. And this is the part most people miss: the trade raises questions about the Canadiens' long-term plans and the potential implications for the team's future. Is this a sign of a shift in strategy, or a one-off move? Only time will tell.
What do you think about the Canadiens bringing back Phillip Danault? Is it a brilliant move to strengthen the team's defense, or a risky decision considering his recent offensive struggles? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a lively discussion!
