Canadiens acquire centre Phillip Danault from Kings for second-round pick

By Canadian Press on December 19, 2025.

MONTREAL — Phillip Danault is heading back to Montreal.

The Montreal Canadiens acquired the veteran centre from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick on Friday. The draft selection previously belonged to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Danault returns to the Canadiens after spending six seasons in Montreal from 2015 to 2021.

The 32-year-old from Victoriaville, Que., signed a six-year, US$33-million contract with the Kings in free agency after helping the Canadiens reach the 2021 Stanley Cup final.

A two-way centre, Danault had just five assists in 30 games in a diminishing role with the Kings this season.

Danault produced a career-high 54 points with the Kings in 2022-23. He has 125 goals and 274 assists in 741 NHL games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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