The Montreal Canadiens have regained their composure after falling into a brief slump. The Habs are positioned second in the Atlantic Division with 45 points, just behind the Detroit Red Wings. Kent Hughes’ efforts may have finally paid off as the Canadiens look poised to redeem themselves this season.
In a continuous urge to better itself, the team recently acquired former Habs forward Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings in return for a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. However, Danault’s acquisition may not be the end: Hughes may have more in store for the Habs community.
Insiders Speculate Future Montreal Canadiens Moves After Phillip Danault
The Danault move is arguably one of the most significant transactions the Canadiens have been involved in recently. Danault has spent six seasons with the Habs; his experience and familiarity with the franchise sufficiently enhance his appeal to the Montreal front office.
“What we’re hoping he’s going to bring is experience. He’s been here before. I think people in this market know what he is as a hockey player. We don’t think the season he’s having right now is indicative of the quality of the player that he is, and we’re hoping coming back here in Montreal he’s reenergized and regains the form he had here in Montreal and L.A. before that,” Hughes said in the wake of the Danault move, as reported by NHL media.
However, Danault’s acquisition does not signify the end of the search for a second-line center for the Habs. A second-line center continues to be the most essential element for the Canadiens if they want to improve their odds of landing a cup.
At his age, Danault might serve as a third center, leaving the Habs’ quest for a 2C unfinished business. As per Marco D’Amico, Oliver Kapanen, for all his prowess, cannot be a long-term option for a second-line center.
“I think there’s room for growth, but I’m also not alone in my opinion. Many pro scouts just don’t see the creativity needed to be a full-time 2C. He could fill in the role playing with a Demidov/Slaf, but he wouldn’t be a line driver. You need a line driving 2C to win a Cup,” D’Amico shared on social media.
He further added that the Habs management is still actively pursuing a 2C and will seize the right opportunity when it arises. “Gorton and Hughes aren’t desperate for a 2C because they’re not in contention window. But the moment a whisper of Danault being available came about, they pounced. Imagine when a legit 2C hits the market? They’ll be there.”
Weighing in on the Danault move at Sportsnet Today, David Pagnotta expressed a similar opinion as D’Amico, stating that despite it all, the Habs are still hot in their pursuit of a 2C. “This is moreso to address the defensive responsibilities that they’ve lacked; if there’s still an opportunity to bring in a 2C down the road, the Habs are gonna jump at it; that’s still what they want.”
The team could try to develop Kapanen into a second-line center or explore the market for the right candidate.
