Where there is smoke, there is finally fire regarding the Los Angeles Kings and veteran center Phillip Danault. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the trade market is picking up significantly for the 32-year-old defensive specialist. Despite the Kings sitting comfortably largely due to their structure, management is reportedly fielding calls from multiple teams desperate for help down the middle.
Why now? It’s a convergence of a thin center market and Danault’s alarming statistical drop-off. The Kings are currently third in the Pacific Division with a 13-8-7 record, but they have a decision to make. With Danault stuck on just five points through 28 games and carrying a $5.5 million cap hit, General Manager Ken Holland might be looking to capitalize on his reputation before his value plummets further.
(Expert Analysis & Personal Insight)
The connection to the Montreal Canadiens is the easy, romantic link—the “return of the prodigal son” narrative always plays well in Quebec. However, looking at the logistics, this is a complicated maneuver. The Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils are also hunting for centers, though rumors suggest they are currently entangled in blockbuster talks involving Quinn Hughes, which would likely take them out of the mix for a lower-tier add like Danault.
From my perspective, this situation puts the Kings in a fascinating, albeit dangerous, bind. We know Anze Kopitar is retiring at the end of this season. Convention says you hold onto your center depth for dear life when your 1C is walking out the door. However, Danault’s play has devolved from “elite shutdown center” to “expensive liability” offensively.
If I’m the Kings, I am worried about the trend line. Danault went from 54 points to 47, to 43, and is now on pace for a career-low season. He is playing third-line minutes but being paid second-line money. With $4.1 million in current cap space, moving Danault isn’t about clearing money for survival; it’s about clearing money to retool.
The 10-team no-trade list gives Danault some control, but if he wants a fresh start to rediscover his game, he might waive it. The Kings have been active in talks all year, but this feels different. This feels like the end of an era is accelerating.
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