In a significant move that has reshuffled the NHL landscape, veteran centre Philip Danault is heading back to the Montreal Canadiens. This major trade, completed this week, marks a homecoming for the Quebec-born player, who previously suited up for the Habs from the 2015-16 season through 2020-21.
The Trade That Almost Was: Carolina's Failed Bid
Before Danault's path led back to Montreal, a different trade was in the works. According to prominent NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Carolina Hurricanes were actively planning to acquire the defensive centre from the Los Angeles Kings. Their proposal involved sending forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi to Los Angeles in exchange for Danault.
The Kings, however, rejected this offer. A primary concern for Los Angeles was Kotkaniemi's contract, which carries an annual salary of $4.82 million and runs for three more seasons after the current one. The Kings were reportedly worried about adding approximately $14.5 million in future salary commitments, especially for a player whose performance this season—two goals and six points in 20 games—did not justify the long-term financial risk compared to Danault's proven defensive metrics.
Why Montreal Secured the Deal
With the Hurricanes' proposal off the table, the LA Kings proceeded to deal with the Montreal Canadiens. For the Habs, bringing back Danault is a strategic addition. The 30-year-old from Victoriaville, PQ, brings critical skills to the lineup, particularly his prowess in faceoff percentage and on-ice save percentage at even strength.
This season, before the trade, Danault registered five assists in 30 games for the Kings. While not a high scorer, his value lies in his reliable two-way play, making him an ideal middle-six centre. His familiarity with the Montreal system and the fanbase adds intangible value to this acquisition.
Roster and Salary Cap Implications
The failed Carolina trade highlights the complex salary cap calculations teams must navigate. While Kotkaniemi earns about $680,000 less than Danault this year and next, the savings for LA would have been minimal. It wouldn't have been enough to recall another player at the league minimum salary if needed.
The Hurricanes viewed Danault as a potential upgrade to manage their roster under long-term salary cap constraints. Although their immediate plan did not materialise, it is expected that Carolina will remain active in trade negotiations in the coming days as they seek to bolster their centre position.
For the Montreal Canadiens, this trade is more than just a player acquisition; it's a welcome return for a dependable veteran. Danault's defensive reliability and experience are set to strengthen the Canadiens' core as they navigate the rest of the NHL season.
