Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher could not hide his enthusiasm after learning his former linemate, centre Phillip Danault, was returning to the team. The Canadiens acquired Danault from the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, December 20, 2024, in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
A Reunion of a Successful Partnership
The duo, alongside Tomas Tatar, formed one of the Canadiens' most potent lines in recent memory. During the 2018-19 season, the trio combined for an impressive 70 goals and 163 points. Gallagher himself posted 33 goals and 52 points that year, his second consecutive 30-goal campaign playing primarily with Danault as his centre.
"I loved playing with Phil," Gallagher said, reflecting on their past success. "I had a lot of success with Phil and there’s a good reason for that. He’s a really good player, he makes your life easy. He’s one of those players that thinks the game at a really elite level."
A Fresh Start for Both Players
The trade comes at a time when both veterans are seeking to rebound from challenging seasons. Gallagher, 33, has recorded just 2 goals and 11 points in 34 games this year. Danault, 32, managed only 5 assists in 30 games with the Kings before the trade.
Gallagher indicated he had spoken with Danault after the deal was finalized. "He’s obviously very excited," Gallagher shared with reporters at the Bell Centre on Saturday. "It’s been a little bit of a frustrating year for him... I know he’s been frustrated in not getting the opportunity that he probably deserves. Good player, good friend, good teammate. Looking forward to having him."
Where Danault Fits on a Changed Team
The Canadiens roster has undergone significant changes since Danault departed as a free agent in the summer of 2021, signing a six-year, $33 million contract with Los Angeles. Only five players remain from the team's 2021 Stanley Cup Final run: Gallagher, Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and Cole Caufield.
Head coach Martin St. Louis stated he envisions using Danault in a defensive role, though the specifics are still being determined. A reunion with Gallagher on a line is a logical possibility that excites the veteran winger. "It would be great," Gallagher said. "Me and Phil had a lot of success in the past. I know exactly how he likes to play. He does a lot of things to help his linemates."
Immediate Impact and Team Updates
Danault is expected to join the Canadiens in Boston, where they face the Bruins on Tuesday, December 24. His return brings not only a familiar face but also a player who "knows what it means to be a Montreal Canadien," as Gallagher emphasized.
In other team news, defenceman Mike Matheson will return to the lineup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday after missing two games with an upper-body injury. Goaltender Jacob Fowler was slated to start that game, with Samuel Montembeault on a conditioning stint in the AHL aimed at helping him regain his form.
General Manager Kent Hughes expressed confidence in Montembeault's ability to rebound, noting the goalie's consistent performance over the previous three seasons. The acquisition of Danault, however, is the headline move as the Canadiens look to inject experience and proven two-way play into their lineup, hoping to spark both a key veteran and his longtime teammate.
