The Montreal Canadiens have bolstered their lineup with a familiar face, acquiring veteran centre Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings in a late-night trade on Friday, December 19, 2025. The move, finalized just before the NHL's holiday roster freeze, sends a second-round draft pick to Los Angeles in exchange for the 32-year-old forward.
A Deal Driven by Experience and Need
Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes outlined the rationale behind the transaction during a Saturday morning press conference at the Bell Centre. With Montreal fielding the youngest roster in the NHL and grappling with significant injuries to key forwards like Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine, Danault's arrival addresses an immediate need for seasoned leadership and defensive reliability.
"I think that's a fair deal, a second-round pick for Phil Danault," Hughes told reporters, noting the team had a surplus of second-round selections. He emphasized the organization's strategy of dealing from a position of depth to fill a current void, describing Danault as a "highly respected veteran" from whom every player can learn.
What Danault Brings to the Lineup
While Danault has struggled offensively this season in Los Angeles, recording zero goals and five assists in 30 games, his underlying strengths remain intact. He maintains a plus-3 rating and continues to excel in the faceoff circle, winning 52.9 percent of his draws this year. Over his 12-year NHL career, which includes six previous seasons with the Canadiens, his faceoff win percentage stands at 53.1.
Hughes expressed confidence that Danault's current statistical dip is not indicative of his true ability. "We're hopeful that back here in Montreal he's re-energized and regains the form he had here in Montreal and in L.A. before that," Hughes stated. He pointed to Danault's recent playoff performance—eight points in six games last spring while primarily tasked with shutting down Connor McDavid—as evidence of his enduring value.
A key benefit will be the reduction of defensive responsibilities on captain Nick Suzuki. Danault has a long history of matching up against opponents' top lines, allowing Montreal to better manage its young stars' workloads as the grueling 82-game season progresses into March and April.
Contract Details and Roster Maneuvers
Phillip Danault has one more season remaining on his contract, carrying a salary cap hit of US$5.5 million. To accommodate this under the league's salary cap, the Canadiens made several corresponding roster moves on Saturday.
Forward Jared Davidson was reassigned to the AHL's Laval Rocket. Furthermore, the team placed centre Kirby Dach (fractured foot) and defenceman Kaiden Guhle (partially torn adductor muscle) on the long-term injured reserve, freeing up the necessary cap space.
Danault is expected to join the team in Boston ahead of their Tuesday game against the Bruins, giving him time to settle his family affairs in Los Angeles. His return to Montreal marks a reconciliation after a contentious departure in 2021 following a contract dispute with former GM Marc Bergevin. Danault ultimately signed a six-year, $33-million deal with the Kings after declining a $30-million offer from Montreal.
For the Canadiens, this trade is a calculated bet on veteran stability, defensive structure, and the intangible benefits a proven winner like Danault can bring to a locker room full of promising young talent.
