Ex-Blackhawk Phillip Danault traded back to old stomping grounds by LA Kings Friday

Danault is back in Montreal after the Canadiens traded a 2026 second-round pick to Los Angeles for the 32-year-old center Friday.

Danault logged five assists in 30 games with the Kings this season, a quiet offensive return compared to his career highs.

He's a veteran two-way presence who's had success in the past at both ends of the ice, and his return adds experience to Montreal's forward group.

Originally drafted 26th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Draft, Danault played parts of two seasons in Chicago before making his mark with the Canadiens.

He spent six seasons in Montreal from 2015 to 2021, becoming one of the team's most trusted defensive forwards and playing a key role in their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.

The Canadiens are thin down the middle, with injuries to Kirby Dach contributing to pressure on the depth chart, and Danault gives them a reliable second- or third-line pivot who can help the penalty kill.

Fans and analysts such as Marco D'Amico have been talking about a Danault reunion for days, and the deal finally happened just before the holiday roster freeze. It's a nostalgic reunion that also fills a real need, with veteran calm and defensive reliability.

Danault's reputation as a Selke-caliber forechecker and face-off catalyst remains his calling card even if his offense this season was modest.

Montreal's young centers now have a seasoned mentor and more flexibility in late-game defensive matchups.

He'll slot into Martin St. Louis's rotation around Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, likely relieving pressure on the Canadiens' younger forwards in key defensive moments.

The 32-year-old's presence also offers a boost to special teams, where his penalty-killing acumen should pay dividends.

Danault's contract runs through the end of next season at a $5.5 million cap hit, and while Montreal gives up a future pick, the veteran's familiarity with the system and city eases integration into the lineup.