The Los Angeles Kings are seeing increased trade chatter surrounding one of their veteran centers, raising questions about potential moves ahead of the NHL trade freeze. Interest from multiple teams has increased, demonstrating how quickly trade discussions can gain momentum as deadlines approach.
The attention is heightened by the player’s past connection with one of the interested teams, giving the rumors more context. The Kings are listening but remain cautious, weighing offers against team needs and the player’s value.
Canadiens Among Teams Checking In on Kings’ Veteran Center
Phillip Danault has become a central figure in recent trade talks. The 32-year-old center, drafted 26th overall by Chicago in 2011, has also played for the Montreal Canadiens and is currently signed through 2026-27 to a six-year, $33 million contract with a $5.5 million cap hit.
Danault has missed a few games due to the flu, but remains an experienced presence on the ice. Teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes have expressed interest in his services. An NHL executive told RG Media, “Talks have definitely picked up on Danault, but … this is going to be a center-for-center deal if and when it happens.”
RG’s James Murphy indicates that a potential return to Montreal could involve center Jake Evans, according to several of their sources. “If the Kings were to trade Dannault back to the Canadiens, center Jake Evans would be a likely return.” Murphy wrote.
Drafted 207th overall in 2014, Evans is signed through 2028-29 and has 10 points in 33 games this season. He provides consistent ice time at center, while Danault has five assists and continues to play a responsible defensive role, contributing on transitions, penalty kills, and faceoffs.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun noted in The Athletic, “Despite having zero goals on the season, the body of work still speaks large for Phillip Danault, as sources say the Los Angeles Kings have gotten a number of calls on him lately. The Montreal Canadiens are among the teams that have called about their former player, and the Utah Mammoth (Logan Cooley injury) have kicked tires, as well.”
Danault’s agent, Allan Walsh, pushed back on rumors that his client requested a trade, posting on X, “You never bothered to check with me. Shameful attention-seeking reporting. #NotAnInsider,” clarifying that Danault had not initiated any move.
As the Kings evaluate options and Danault recovers from illness, the team balances trade interest with his value on the ice. His experience, defensive reliability, and ability to impact key situations make him a sought-after center, even in a season with limited scoring.
