The Montreal Canadiens are quietly putting together an impressive season. Coming off a convincing 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, the Canadiens now sit second in the Atlantic Division with a 20-12-5 record, having won three of their last four games.
Contributions throughout the lineup have driven Montreal’s strong play. One of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the team lately involves a familiar face who arrived via trade, and the blunt assessment he offered about his exit from Los Angeles.
Canadiens’ $33 Million Star Breaks Silence on Kings Departure
The Montreal Canadiens brought Phillip Danault back into the fold after acquiring him from the LA Kings in a deal that sent a 2026 second-round pick to Los Angeles. While Danault still has one season left on his six-year, $33 million contract, it was clear his chapter with the Kings had come to an end.
Danault’s production had dipped significantly this season. He recorded just five points in 30 games, well below the reliable two-way standard he had established throughout his NHL career. In the aftermath of the trade, reports surfaced pointing to growing friction between Danault and the Kings’ front office, including general manager Ken Holland.
The veteran center addressed those reports head-on before his first game back in a Canadiens uniform on Tuesday, offering an honest and emotional explanation of how things fell apart in Los Angeles. “I felt like I had no purpose and that I couldn’t bring anything to the team with what I had,” Danault said. “I felt helpless and not important. That’s how I felt at the end.”
Danault’s move back to Montreal represents a full-circle moment in his career. He previously spent six seasons with the Canadiens from 2016 to 2021, before departing in free agency.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis noted that Danault has consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively throughout his career. “But I don’t think he’s a player that’s ever done that just at the price of not doing the job defensively,” St. Louis said. “I think he’s a guy that, especially on the road, you feel very comfortable in terms of matchups, like whoever’s on the ice against.”
His return debut came in Montreal’s 6-2 victory over the Bruins. Danault logged 15:29 of ice time and recorded one shot on goal. He centered the third line alongside Alexandre Texier and Josh Anderson.
ALSO READ: Canadiens Fans React as Phillip Danault Returns to Montreal Following Trade From Kings
With the Christmas break now ahead, Danault will have time to reset as the Canadiens return to action Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
