Phillip Danault reveals how it all ended with the Kings before trade to Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens re-acquired forward Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings, and he described how his time with the team ended, saying he felt he no longer had a role.
Former Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault is back in a familiar setting, as he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens just before the NHL Trade Freeze for the holidays took effect.
In return, the Kings received a second round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Danault had struggled all year long with the Kings, having just five assists and no goals. He recently opened up to reporters and said that he felt like he had no purpose with the Kings as his time in Los Angeles started to wind down before the trade.
I felt like I had no purpose and that I couldn't bring anything to the team with what I had. I felt helpless and not important. That's how I felt at the end. - Phillip Danault
Danault has already played one game with the Habs since the trade, and had no points. He also saw his ice time actually decrease from what his average was in Los Angeles by nearly a full minute.
Phillip Danault Was Traded Back To The Canadiens From The Kings
Danault needed a change of scenery, as things were just not working out for him in Los Angeles.
After trading him to the Canadiens, where he previously played in his career, Kings GM Ken Holland said that it was a chance for him to get a fresh start.
This was a decision that was needed, that I made. In talking to Allan Walsh, in talking to Phil, his role changed and it's been a struggle, it's been a struggle here offensively for Phil. It's about Christmas here and he has no goals and five assists. We found a trading partner here that I think is going to be good for Phil, he gets to go back to a city where he had a lot of success. It gives him a fresh opportunity. - Ken Holland
In his career, Danault has 399 points (125G, 274A) in 742 career games.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 25|321 ANSWERS Phillip Danault reveals how it all ended with the Kings before trade to Canadiens Will the Canadiens regret re-acquiring Phillip Danault? | ||
| Yes | 143 | 44.5 % |
| No | 178 | 55.5 % |
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