Phillip Danault Embraces Canadiens' Offensive Revolution
Since returning to the Montreal Canadiens in December 2025, veteran centre Phillip Danault has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the team's identity. The organization that once relied heavily on defensive structure and elite goaltending has evolved into an offensive powerhouse under new leadership.
A Dramatic Shift in Playing Style
The Canadiens of 2021, who made an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup final, operated with a defensive-minded system under coach Dominique Ducharme. That team struggled to score goals, ranking 17th in the NHL with just 2.32 goals per game during the regular season. Their playoff success was largely attributed to legendary goaltender Carey Price, who posted a 2.28 goals-against average and .924 save percentage during their Cup final appearance.
Fast forward to the current season, and the contrast couldn't be more striking. The Canadiens now rank fifth in NHL offence, averaging 3.37 goals per game. This offensive explosion comes with a different challenge - the team ranks 24th in defence, allowing 3.29 goals per game. Current goaltenders Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes have posted save percentages of .869 and .887 respectively, highlighting the team's ongoing goaltending concerns.
New Leadership, New Philosophy
The transformation began with significant organizational changes. President of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes have reshaped the roster, while head coach Martin St. Louis has implemented a completely different system. Only five players remain from the 2021 team: Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson, Brendan Gallagher, Jake Evans, and Cole Caufield.
"Way different," Danault remarked about the Canadiens' current style compared to 2021. "We were more predictable when I was here last time. It's fun to play that game."
Opponents Take Notice
Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes recently described the Canadiens' style as "unique" during his team's visit to Montreal. He noted their abundance of offensive talent, particularly highlighting that Montreal has fifteen players with double-digit points, including eight with twenty-five points or more.
The statistical leaders illustrate this offensive depth: Suzuki leads with 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists), followed by Caufield with 53 points (29 goals, 24 assists), and rookie defenceman Lane Hutson matching Caufield's 53 points (9 goals, 44 assists).
St. Louis's Coaching Philosophy
While opponents describe Montreal's system as unique, St. Louis downplays any revolutionary approach. "I don't know what's unique," the coach stated. "For me, any team sports - there's rules. I didn't invent this. Some teams are harder to play against because they understand the collective game."
Despite his modesty, the results speak for themselves. Since taking over 45 games into the 2021-22 season when the Canadiens were last in the NHL standings, St. Louis has cultivated an environment where creativity and offensive risk-taking are encouraged.
Players Embrace the Change
Danault particularly appreciates St. Louis's in-game management and offensive creativity. "He adjusts really quick," Danault observed. "Reads the game really well. Lots of offence options in his mind. Creating lots on offence and our D is active, so it opens a lot in the O-zone. I love that kind of game."
Brendan Gallagher echoed this sentiment, noting the team's entertaining style has created exciting, if sometimes unpredictable, results. "I guess we play exciting hockey," Gallagher chuckled, referencing Montreal's league-leading numbers in both comeback wins and blown leads. "When teams are playing risk-free, it is tougher to play against than when D are flying up the ice and taking all these chances."
The Goaltending Question
The one area where the current Canadiens haven't matched their 2021 predecessors is in net. With Price's $10.5 million salary cap hit now off the books, the team faces the ongoing challenge of finding consistent goaltending to complement their explosive offence. As Gallagher succinctly put it: "Now, if the Canadiens could just get some more saves from their goalies."
The transformation from defensive stalwart to offensive juggernaut represents a complete philosophical shift for the historic franchise. For returning players like Danault and fans alike, the new approach provides exciting, high-scoring hockey - even as the team continues to address defensive consistency in their pursuit of championship contention.
