The Los Angeles Kings traded center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday, ending speculation about his future with the team.
Montreal sent a 2026 NHL draft second-round pick, which originally belonged to the Columbus Blue Jackets, to the Kings.
Danault, 32, is in his 12th year in the NHL. He was in his fifth year with the Kings. He played for the Canadiens from 2016-21 before leaving as a free agent, signing a 6-year, $33-million deal with Los Angeles. He's signed through the 2026-27 season with a $5.5 million cap hit.
Danault had zero goals and 5 assists in 30 games this season. Overall, Danault has appeared in 741 career NHL regular-season games with 125 goals and 274 assists for 399 points, having played for the Kings, Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks (2014-16). Danault is primarily known for his defensive prowess, winning 52.9% of his faceoffs this season.
There was speculation around the NHL surrounding Danault's future with the Kings. He averaged 16:19 in ice time per game, which was down significantly from his average last season (17:40). An NHL source indicated that "a change in scenery" was likely in order for Danault this season.
The deal happened on the eve of the NHL's holiday roster freeze, which goes into effect at midnight ET on Dec. 20 and lifts on Dec. 28.
