The Montreal Canadiens have swung big, landing former Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault.
The report came from the Kings’ official website at 10;54pm EST on Friday night:
“The LA Kings have acquired Columbus’ second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Phillip Danault.”
Montreal Canadiens Win Phillip Danault Sweepstakes
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 04: Alex Laferriere #14 and Phillip Danault #24 of the Los Angeles Kings in the second period of play against the Chicago Blackhawks at Crypto.com Arena on December 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Jeremy Tingly of nhltraderumors.com aggregated some comments from Frank Seravalli when it came to the possibility of Danault getting dealt on Friday night:
“Frank Seravalli: Will we see a trade materialize by Friday night [trade freeze]? I think there’s a solid possibility that that happens when it comes to Phillip Danault and the Kings – Insider Notebook (12/16)”
Other teams that were reported to be in the mix included:
- Montreal Canadiens
- Utah Mammoth
- New Jersey Devils
The trade sees Danault going to Montreal in exchange for a second-round selection via Columbus in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Late-Breaking Rumors Came Forth Ahead of Danault Trade
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Phillip Danault #24 of the Los Angeles Kings argues with referee Chris Schlenker #3 after a disallowed goal during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Crypto.com Arena on October 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Nhltraderumors.com also reported some late-breaking rumors surrounding a Montreal trade for Danault:
“Jean-Charles Lajoie of TVA Sports said on the JiC Show that parting with a younger center for the underperforming veteran would not be the right way to go for the Canadiens.
‘When it comes to Phillip Danault and the Kings, the request to the Canadiens would be Jake Evans. The Canadiens would prefer Owen Beck to be the one sent in the trade. The Kings prefer to have a guy established in the league, who will help them now rather than a project.’”
This obviously didn’t turn out to be the case. The Canadiens ended up getting the services of Danault for a singular draft pick instead.
Montreal gets some reinforcement in their top-6 as they sit at third in the Atlantic division. Have a look at the current standings in the Atlantic division:
- Detroit Red Wings (41pts)
- Florida Panthers (40pts)
- Montreal Canadiens (40pts)
- Boston Bruins (40pts)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (39pts)
- Ottawa Senators (36pts)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (35pts)
- Buffalo Sabres (34pts)
It’s a complete dog-fight in the Atlantic division of the Eastern Conference. As we approach the halfway point of the season, all teams sit within 7 points of each other. Montreal hopes Danault can put them over the edge in clinching a playoff spot later in the year.
Danault admittedly has had a quiet season to this point. He only boasts 5 points (0G, 5A) is 30 games played this year.
The forward is a steady 40-50 point scorer in the last seven years, so there’s hope that a change of scenery to a young, up-and-coming team can rekindle some of his usual production that has been missing.
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