The Montreal Canadiens have announced they have traded for Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault. The cost of acquisition being a second-round pick in 2026, which previously belonged to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The trade comes under just under the wire, as the NHL’s holiday roster freeze loomed, set to take place at 11:59 pm ET on Friday night.
Montreal Canadiens Roster Impact
The major benefit of acquiring the former Hab is clearly the depth he’ll add to the centre position. The Canadiens have lacked depth down the middle of the ice for the majority of their rebuild, especially due to injuries to players such as Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.
Consequently, captain Nick Suzuki has been overburdened with responsibilities, playing in every single situation for the Canadiens. Danault’s presence will certainly alleviate some of that pressure, though only to a certain extent.
Danault, 32, has produced just five assists in 30 games for the Kings this season, a sign that his offensive prowess has deteriorated significantly in recent years. On the flip side of the coin, he still does a great job at the faceoff dot, with a 52.9% win rate this season.
As for his defensive acumen, he’s also struggled in that department, and currently has a -5.1 relative xGF%, among the worst results for the Kings this season. Of course, it’s important to remember that context is always key in hockey. His numbers could bounce back if he’s placed in a more comfortable situation during his second tour of duty with the Montreal Canadiens.
Historically speaking, he usually provides decent underlying numbers, which means this season could be an aberration, or the start of his decline.
He’s also a left-handed centre, a boon in any lineup.
Playing with a winger such as Ivan Demidov could remedy his lack of offence, while also improving the rookie’s underlying numbers, which have been less-than-stellar alongside Oliver Kapanen.
Salary Cap Impact
Danault has two years left on a contract that carries a $5.5 million annual average value. The Kings did not retain any salary, making the cost of acquisition high when considering his offensive contributions this season. It’s a testament to the lack of options available in the NHL’s trade market, especially when it comes to centres.
Admittedly, I was far from excited the first time we discussed a possible Danault trade, but it’s a seller’s market, and the Canadiens have been shopping for months.
According to Marco D’Amico, the Kings originally wanted Jake Evans for the return, which would not have solved Montreal’s centre issues by any means.
The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Phil Danault for a 2nd rounder in 2026.
— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) December 20, 2025
Kings initially wanted a player (Jake Evans) but settled on a draft pick.
The Danault clan gets their desired move/destination and Kings get an asset they could flip by March.
To accommodate Danault’s cap hit, the Canadiens will have to clear some space by sending players to the Laval Rocket in the AHL. Jared Davidson, Owen Beck, and Adam Engstrom could be among those re-assigned to the Rocket.
As for Danault’s debut in Canadiens uniform this season, he’s unlikely to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, but should face them in the second leg of the back-to-back games on Sunday.
All Montreal Canadiens and Philip Danault statistics via Natural Stat Trick.
