A Familiar Face Returns: Phillip Danault Traded Back to Montreal Canadiens

Back to His Roots

On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Los Angeles Kings executed a trade that sent center Phillip Danault back to the Montreal Canadiens. Danault, who spent five seasons in LA after a successful stint with the Canadiens from 2016 to 2021, finds himself returning to a city that is all too familiar, marking yet another chapter in what has been a rollercoaster NHL career.

A Changing Landscape

Danault's return comes at a pivotal time for both his career and the Canadiens. After signing a lucrative six-year, $33 million contract with the Kings, expectations were high. But Danault has struggled this season, recording no goals and merely five assists in 30 games. His average ice time has dipped, down to 16:19 from last season's 17:40, prompting speculation about his future in Los Angeles.

“A change in scenery was likely in order,” an NHL source commented on Danault's situation.

The Trade and Its Implications

The trade involved Montreal sending a 2026 second-round draft pick, originally from the Columbus Blue Jackets, to the Kings. As Danault embarks on this new chapter, the implications of this trade will extend beyond his on-ice performance. I cannot help but wonder how this move will affect the Kings' roster adjustments and overall strategy moving forward.

Looking Ahead

At 32 years old, Danault boasts an impressive resume with 741 career games under his belt, including stints with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is primarily known for his defensive skills, winning over 52% of his faceoffs this season. Will this trade reignite his scoring touch? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: his experience and past success should serve as a stabilizing force for the Canadiens as they navigate a challenging season.

Fan Reactions

The Canadiens' fan base has reacted positively to Danault's return. Many are excited to see how he can mesh with the current roster and whether he can rediscover the chemistry he once had in Montreal. Fans flooded social media with messages of hope and nostalgia, reminiscing about the power forward's critical moments in the playoffs during his previous tenure.

Conclusion

As the NHL approaches the holiday roster freeze, this trade marks not just a fresh start for Phillip Danault but also a moment of reflection for both franchises involved. Will he reclaim his form in Montreal, or will this trade become another cautionary tale in the unpredictable world of professional sports? I, for one, will be watching closely.

Key Facts

Trade Details: Phillip Danault was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Montreal Canadiens.
Teams Involved: Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings participated in the trade.
Draft Pick: Montreal sent a 2026 second-round draft pick to Los Angeles.
Contract: Phillip Danault signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the Kings.
Season Performance: Danault recorded zero goals and five assists in 30 games this season.
Faceoff Win Percentage: Danault won 52.9% of his faceoffs this season.
Career Statistics: Danault has played 741 career NHL games, scoring 125 goals and 274 assists.
Impact of Trade: The trade may have significant implications for the rosters and strategies of both teams.

Background

Phillip Danault's return to the Montreal Canadiens marks a significant moment in his NHL career, having previously spent five successful seasons with the team. This trade follows a challenging season with the Los Angeles Kings, where Danault struggled to perform as expected.

Quick Answers

What trade occurred involving Phillip Danault?: Phillip Danault was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Montreal Canadiens.
What draft pick did the Canadiens give up for Phillip Danault?: The Canadiens sent a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Kings.
How has Phillip Danault performed this season?: Phillip Danault has recorded zero goals and five assists in 30 games this season.
What was Phillip Danault's contract with the Kings?: Phillip Danault signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the Kings.
How many career games has Phillip Danault played?: Phillip Danault has played 741 career NHL games.
What is Phillip Danault's faceoff win percentage this season?: Phillip Danault won 52.9% of his faceoffs this season.
Why was the trade significant for the Canadiens?: The trade is significant as it may stabilize the Canadiens during a challenging season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Phillip Danault?

Phillip Danault is a professional ice hockey center who has returned to the Montreal Canadiens after playing with the Los Angeles Kings.

What teams were involved in the trade of Phillip Danault?

The trade involved the Montreal Canadiens and the Los Angeles Kings.

What performance issues did Phillip Danault face in the current season?

Phillip Danault struggled with no goals and only five assists in 30 games this season.

What expectations were there for Phillip Danault when he joined the Kings?

Expectations were high for Phillip Danault after signing a lucrative six-year deal with the Kings.

Source reference: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/47364172/veteran-phillip-danault-returns-canadiens-trade-kings