The familiar walk from the Bell Centre parking lot to the locker room stirred a flood of memories for Phillip Danault. For the veteran centre, his return to the Montreal Canadiens for a second stint is about more than hockey; it's a homecoming for his entire family, complete with dreams of outdoor skating rinks and reconnecting with the city's passionate pulse.
A Family Homecoming in Montreal
Phillip Danault's priority upon returning to Montreal is a simple, cherished Canadian tradition: taking his six-year-old son skating on an outdoor rink. This personal milestone underscores the deeper meaning behind the hockey transaction. Acquired by General Manager Kent Hughes from the Los Angeles Kings on December 18, 2025, in exchange for a second-round draft pick, Danault's return is a family affair. His wife, Marie-Pierre Fortin, and their two young children are settling back into Quebec life, searching for a new home and schools.
"It means a lot," Danault, now 32, expressed. "My kids were too young to live this passion. So I'm really happy to be here." The centre, who grew up in Victoriaville, Quebec, met his wife there and fondly recalls watching Habs games before heading to his father's backyard rink. "I love it," he said of Montreal's winter. "It's in my DNA. I'm born in February."
Immediate Impact on the Ice
Danault's on-ice value was immediately evident in his first game back at the Bell Centre on January 7, 2026. In a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, he logged 18:22 of ice time, recorded an assist, and was named the game's third star. His most dominant statistic? Winning 13 of 15 faceoffs (86.7%), a skill set that head coach Martin St. Louis instantly appreciated.
"I mean tonight I think he was 13-2 in draws," St. Louis noted after the game. "It's hard to not put that at the top. But I appreciate he plays the game that's in front of him, so there's not much risk in his game... his maturity, I respect that a lot." While Danault's offensive production has dipped from his first tenure—he had zero goals and five assists in 30 games with the Kings this season—he fills critical short-term needs for the young Canadiens: experience, defence, penalty-killing, and his left-handed shot at centre.
A Changed Team and a Perfect Fit
The Canadiens roster has undergone a massive transformation since Danault departed in 2021 after a Stanley Cup Final loss and a contract dispute. Only five players remain from that 2021 squad. The team is now the youngest in the NHL but surprisingly potent offensively, ranking sixth in the league with 3.33 goals per game at the time of his return. Danault's defensive reliability and faceoff expertise complement this high-scoring group perfectly.
General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized that Danault's $5.5 million salary-cap hit for one more season addresses multiple needs. For Danault, the emotional connection was reignited by the Bell Centre fans. An organic wave during a third-period TV timeout, with the arena music silenced, particularly moved him. "The wave was unbelievable," he said. "Just electric and not surprised. I missed it … I missed it a lot."
Phillip Danault's story is no longer about the player who left. It's about the veteran who returned, bringing stability to a promising young team and fulfilling a dream of sharing his Montreal Canadiens heritage with his children. His presence makes the Habs a more complete and formidable team as they continue their 2025-26 campaign.
