In a significant NHL trade that has sent ripples through the hockey world, veteran centre Philip Danault has broken his silence for the first time since his move from the Los Angeles Kings back to the Montreal Canadiens. The trade marks a major homecoming for the Quebec-born player, who spent the formative years of his career in Montreal.
An Emotional Homecoming Amidst Turmoil
Reports confirm it has been nearly a week since the Los Angeles Kings executed the trade, sending Danault to the Montreal Canadiens. The player made his season debut for the Canadiens on Tuesday, but his journey back was fraught with emotional difficulty. Speaking to the media in French for the first time since the trade was announced, Danault offered a candid and raw assessment of his final days in Los Angeles.
"I felt like I had no purpose and that I couldn't bring anything to the team with what I had," Danault stated. "I felt helpless and not important. That's how I felt at the end." This sentiment of being undervalued and ineffective starkly contrasts with his initial successful stint in LA, where his overall play has unfortunately tapered off in recent times.
Navigating Personal Chaos for a Fresh Start
The logistical and personal upheaval of the mid-season trade added another layer of challenge for the athlete and his family. "I feel like chaos right now," Danault admitted in a separate conversation with the NHL. "I am moving my kids, my wife, we have a house there, selling the house, everything. So a big change, for Christmas especially."
Despite the chaos, Danault is choosing to focus on the positive aspects of his return to a familiar franchise. Expressing optimism, he said, "So a good start, a good, fresh start for me. I'm really happy to be here." He also highlighted a dramatic shift in team dynamics, noting, "Went from the oldest group to the youngest in the NHL. It's kind of a weird stat, but it's true, and I'm happy to be one of the mature guys here." Indeed, at 30 years old, Danault is now the Canadiens' second-oldest player, behind only Brendan Gallagher.
The Stats Behind the Trade
The trade concludes a chapter that began when Danault signed a six-year, $33 million contract ($5.5 million average annual value) with the Kings on July 28, 2021. He has one more year remaining on that deal after the current season.
His statistical journey tells a story of two halves:
- Total with LA Kings: 194 points (54 goals, 140 assists) in 360 games.
- First four seasons in Los Angeles: A strong 195 points (70 goals, 125 assists) over 319 games.
- Current Season Downturn: A notable offensive slump with zero goals and only five assists in 30 games prior to the trade.
This return to Montreal is a full-circle moment for Danault, who originally played for the Canadiens from the 2015-16 season through 2020-21. Hailing from Victoriaville, PQ, which is less than two hours from Montreal, the move is a genuine homecoming on both a professional and personal level. While both the Kings and Canadiens have moved on, Danault's heartfelt revelations provide a rare glimpse into the human element behind high-stakes sports trades.
