The rumor mill is officially spinning, and for Habs fans, it’s a familiar tune. NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently connected the Montreal Canadiens to their former defensive stalwart, Phillip Danault. With reports surfacing that the Los Angeles Kings center is “eager” to return to La Belle Province—potentially due to friction with Kings head coach Jim Hiller—the narrative writes itself. A fan favorite returning to fix a broken penalty kill? It sounds perfect.
But before we start printing the jerseys, we need a reality check. While the heart says “yes,” the business of hockey suggests this trade is far more complicated than a simple homecoming. The Canadiens need help down the middle, but at what cost?
The Reality of Danault’s Decline and Contract
There is no denying what Danault brought to Montreal during his first tenure: elite defensive metrics and a stabilizing presence. Jonathan Bernier of TVA Sports rightly points out that the Habs’ defensive system and penalty kill are currently bleeding chances, areas where Danault historically excels. If the reports are true that he is struggling in LA because of a disconnect with Jim Hiller, a change of scenery could spark a resurgence.
However, we have to look at the player Danault is today, not the one who left in 2021. At 32 years old, his offensive production has taken a nosedive this season. He is carrying a $5.5 million AAV through next season. For a Montreal Canadiens squad, absorbing that full cap hit for a declining asset is poor asset management.
Expert Insight: Here is my honest take on the situation. I wouldn’t give up significant assets for Danault right now. The nostalgia factor is strong, but his offensive game has fallen off a cliff. Unless the Los Angeles Kings are willing to retain 50% of his salary—which seems unlikely given their own cap maneuvering—this deal doesn’t make sense for Kent Hughes. The Kings aren’t going to give him away for free, and Montreal shouldn’t be in the business of paying premium prices for veterans on the back nine of their careers. If a deal happens, it needs to be a bargain, likely in the offseason, not a panic buy before the holiday freeze.
Latest Montreal Canadiens News & Fantasy Hockey Pool
Want to stay ahead of every rumor involving the Montreal Canadiens? Make sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com for the latest updates. While you are there, join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes! wondering how to watch the Habs game on TV today? We have the full broadcast schedule listed on our site. Don’t miss a beat—sign up for our newsletter below.
The post Phillip Danault Reunion: Why the Montreal Canadiens Must Proceed with Caution appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
