The Montreal Canadiens have unofficially shed their rebuilding label, emerging as a structured and resilient team ready for a deep postseason run. While their late-season surge secured a playoff berth in a hyper-competitive Atlantic Division, the names behind this transformation have led to a debate.
For prominent NHL agent Allan Walsh, the shift began with a specific roster move that redefined the team’s identity.
Allan Walsh Highlights Phillip Danault Trade As Canadiens’ Season-Defining Move
The turning point for Montreal, according to NHL agent Allan Walsh, came with the return of Phillip Danault. The veteran center rejoined the Canadiens in a midseason deal that was aimed at reshaping their lineup and adding depth. Walsh, of course, is also Danault’s agent.
Walsh made his stance clear on X, writing, “The Turning Point of the CH’s season! The Phil Danault trade.” He followed it with another note, adding, “The Montreal Canadiens are 25-9-5 since trading for Phil Danault,” pointing directly to the team’s surge after the move.
Danault’s arrival gave Montreal stability down the middle, something the roster lacked earlier in the season. He stepped into a key defensive role while handling difficult matchups and penalty-killing duties. While he appears to be nursing a minor injury, we’re likely to see the good ol version of Danault when the playoffs roll around.
Danault’s arrival has allowed players like Nick Suzuki to focus more on offensive production without carrying the same defensive burden. The balance showed immediately as the Canadiens tightened their play in their own zone and improved puck control in crucial moments.
The impact was also felt in the results as Montreal produced a strong run that included multiple winning stretches. During one span in March, they allowed just 11 goals over seven games, showing a clear improvement in defensive structure.
Danault’s presence at the faceoff dot has also made a difference, giving the team more possession in critical situations.
Offensively, Danault provided timely contributions after a quiet start to the season in Los Angeles. He recorded three goals and six assists in his first 21 games back with Montreal, adding depth scoring without changing his primary defensive role. He also reached the 400-point milestone during a win against Dallas on Jan. 4, marking a return to form.
Montreal holds a 45-22-10 record with 100 points and sits 3rd in the Atlantic Division. The team has improved from 91 points last season and 76 the year before, showing clear growth. Their offense ranks among the league’s better units, while their structure has become more consistent.
Even after their eight-game winning streak ended in a 3-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils last night, the Canadiens remain in a strong position. With players like Cole Caufield nearing the 50-goal mark and Lane Hutson continuing to improve his all-round game, the roster looks just about complete.
Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, this summer will be an interesting one for Montreal given the fact that they have few holes to fill on this roster, and the assets to go about their business.
