Fresh off a return to the postseason, the Montreal Canadiens may be eyeing a move that combines nostalgia with necessity. A fan-generated proposal on PuckPedia’s PuckGM platform has sparked discussion: could the Habs re-acquire Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings in a trade that sends promising youth the other way?
The Trade Proposal:
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To Montreal: Phillip Danault
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To Los Angeles: Jayden Struble, Owen Beck, 2025 second-round pick
Danault, a Quebec native and former Canadiens fan favorite, played six impactful seasons in Montreal before signing a six-year, $33 million deal with the Kings in 2021. Now two years away from free agency and still a capable two-way center, Danault could offer the Canadiens a stabilizing presence down the middle—either as a second- or third-line anchor.
Why It Makes Sense for Montreal
Danault’s return could immediately upgrade the Habs’ center depth. Known as one of the league’s premier shutdown forwards, he would bring valuable experience to a youthful roster that just took its first playoff steps. With 43 points (8 goals, 35 assists) in 80 games this season, Danault still contributes offensively and would fit seamlessly into head coach Martin St. Louis’s structured system.
Moreover, his deep ties to the province and his prior chemistry with core players could help Montreal both on and off the ice. While Danault initially left in search of a more relaxed market, a return home might appeal after four seasons in Los Angeles.
What the Kings Gain
For Los Angeles, the proposed package of a second-round pick and two developing talents helps refresh an aging roster. Jayden Struble, 23, showed promise as a physical third-pairing defenseman and is a pending restricted free agent. Owen Beck, just 21, profiles as a strong defensive center with cost-controlled years ahead—potentially serving as a budget-friendly replacement for Danault.
As the Kings aim to stay competitive while infusing more youth into the lineup, the deal gives them flexibility without entirely sacrificing present-day competitiveness.
Canadiens Build on a Promising Season
Montreal’s playoff appearance—though brief—offered a glimpse of the team’s growing potential. The youngest group in the postseason, the Canadiens held their own before falling in five games to the Washington Capitals. Still, the playoff exposure served as a learning experience for the youthful roster.
“If we introduced ourselves to the rest of the league through these playoffs, especially being the youngest team, I think we can walk out of here with our heads held high,” said head coach Martin St. Louis.
Veteran Brendan Gallagher echoed that sentiment: “Every game felt close. They just made a few less mistakes and it burned us. But this is part of learning.”
Armed with nearly $9 million in cap space and a young, motivated core, Montreal enters the offseason with flexibility and ambition. Adding a familiar, steadying presence like Danault could bridge the gap between promising potential and sustainable playoff success.
The Bottom Line
While speculative, the idea of reacquiring Phillip Danault is more than a sentimental gesture—it’s a calculated step toward accelerating Montreal’s climb. With both sides standing to benefit, this proposed deal could be one of the offseason’s more intriguing hypotheticals.
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