Phillip Danault Embraces Montreal Winter with Family During NHL Break
Phillip Danault did not seek sunshine and beaches during the Olympic break in the NHL schedule. After spending four seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, the Montreal Canadiens forward returned to Quebec two months ago in a trade and has been reveling in the winter experience with his family.
Family Settles into Life in Quebec
Danault, who signed a six-year, US$33-million contract with the Kings in 2021 before being traded back to the Canadiens for a second-round draft pick, used the break to get his family settled into a new home on Montreal's South Shore. He also visited their off-season home in Quebec City, embracing the colder climate he missed while in California.
"That's a big thing I wanted to do," Danault said after a morning skate at the Bell Centre ahead of a game against the New York Islanders. "I wanted my son to experience being on an outdoor rink and so did my daughter. We skated outdoors during the whole break. It felt amazing."
Memorable Moments on the Ice
During the break, Danault took his two children—Phillip-Édouard, 7, and Adélia-Rose, 4—skating on an outdoor rink for the first time. He also brought Phillip-Édouard to the Bell Centre for the Canadiens' annual skills competition, where the young boy shared the ice with Mike Matheson's son, Hudson, passing pucks and practicing one-timers.
"They just lived the dream and they don't even know," Danault chuckled. "He doesn't know how big it is here. He was looking around and so amazed. The look in his eyes, it means everything. I'm just so happy to be here."
Adjusting from Los Angeles to Montreal
Danault admitted that moving to Los Angeles was challenging, especially for his wife, Marie-Pierre Fortin, whom he met while playing junior hockey in Victoriaville. "She liked it, but it wasn't home for her," he said, noting that they made great friends and appreciated the support from the Kings organization. Their daughter was born in Beverly Hills, adding to their California memories.
While in Los Angeles, the family spoke only French at home, resulting in fluently bilingual children. Danault found the weather in California initially strange, describing it as feeling like a vacation. "But it's a big passion of mine hockey. It's in my blood, so wherever I am I can perform and be as passionate as I was," he added.
On-Ice Contributions and Team Dynamics
Since returning to the Canadiens, Danault has provided experience and defensive responsibility to the NHL's youngest team. Before facing the Islanders, he had won 58.3 percent of his faceoffs and recorded 3 goals and 6 assists in 21 games, compared to 0 goals and 5 assists in 30 games with the Kings earlier this season.
Reunited with former linemate Brendan Gallagher on a "momentum" line with Josh Anderson, Danault feels at home. "It feels like I never left when we're put together," he said. He praised head coach Martin St. Louis's system, emphasizing the team's consistency and energy. "The energy, everyone wants to be a difference-maker every night and someone can be a hero every night now," Danault noted.
Personal Pride and Future Outlook
Danault, who turned 33 recently, takes pride in his two-way play and faceoff skills. "My details never dropped, really," he said. "I feel confident about my game even though I had a tough beginning of the season, a tough road. It just made me stronger, that's for sure."
He remains committed to improvement, adding, "Obviously, nothing's perfect and I always want to get better, I always find a way to get better. I always think I have lots left in the tank." Above all, Danault is proud to wear the Canadiens jersey again, embracing the winter joys of Montreal with his family.
