The Los Angeles Kings have traded veteran center Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens, officially ending weeks of speculation about his role and future in L.A.
In exchange, Montreal sent a 2026 second-round draft pick — acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets — to the Kings.
Danault, 32, is currently in his 12th NHL season and was in his fifth year with Los Angeles. This trade marks a return to familiar territory, as he previously spent five seasons with the Canadiens from 2016 to 2021 before signing a six-year, $33 million contract with the Kings in free agency. His current deal runs through 2026-27 and carries a $5.5 million cap hit.
This season, Danault has recorded five assists and no goals in 30 games. Over his 741-game NHL career, he has tallied 125 goals and 274 assists with the Kings, Canadiens, and Chicago Blackhawks. Known for his strong defensive game, Danault has won 52.9% of his faceoffs this season.
His reduced ice time — averaging 16:19 per game compared to 17:40 last season — fueled ongoing rumors that a move was likely. One league source suggested “a change in scenery” was expected.
The trade comes just before the NHL’s holiday roster freeze, which begins at midnight ET on Saturday and runs through Dec. 28.
