Phillip Danault Returns to Canadiens: Trade Details & Bio

There’s something poetic about a player returning to the organization that gave him his first real NHL shot. For Phillip Danault, that journey is coming full circle: the Montreal Canadiens have brought the veteran center back from the Los Angeles Kings, sending a 2026 second-round pick the other way, according to NHL.com (official league site). The move reunites Danault with a city that watched him develop into a Selke Trophy finalist and a key piece of their 2021 Stanley Cup run.

Birthdate: February 24, 1993 ·
Birthplace: Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada ·
Position: Forward (Center) ·
Current team: Montreal Canadiens ·
NHL draft: 2011, 1st round (26th overall), Chicago Blackhawks ·
Career-high points (season): 53 (2018-19)

What happened to Phillip Danault?

On Friday, the Los Angeles Kings traded Phillip Danault to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick — a pick originally acquired by Montreal from the Columbus Blue Jackets, per NHL.com (official league site). The transaction marks Danault’s return to the franchise where he spent five seasons (2016–2021) and became a staple of their defensive system.

Danault, 32, had been with the Kings since signing a six-year, $33 million contract on July 28, 2021 (NHL.com). Through 30 games this season, he had recorded five assists, zero goals, and averaged over 16 minutes of ice time, according to Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster).

Trade details from Los Angeles Kings to Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens sent a 2026 second-round pick — previously belonging to Columbus — to Los Angeles. The trade was not tied to any salary retention and Danault’s contract carries a $5.5 million cap hit through 2026‑27 (ESPN (sports journalism)).

Timeline of Danault’s career moves

• 2011: Selected 26th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Entry Draft (NHL.com).
• 2016: Traded from Chicago to Montreal in a deal involving Andrew Shaw.
• 2018‑19: Posted a career‑high 53 points (12 goals, 41 assists) with the Canadiens.
• 2021: Named a Frank J. Selke Trophy finalist; helped Montreal reach the Stanley Cup Final (ESPN).
• 2021: Signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings (six years, $33 million).
• 2025: Traded back to the Montreal Canadiens by the Kings.

What did Montreal trade for Phillip Danault?

Montreal’s return for Danault was a single 2026 second‑round pick — a relatively modest price for a top‑nine center. The pick, originally sent from Columbus to Montreal in a prior transaction, was forwarded to Los Angeles without any additional roster players or salary retention (NHL.com).

Assets sent to Los Angeles Kings

• 2026 second‑round draft pick (originally Columbus Blue Jackets’ pick).
• No players, no retained salary, no conditional picks.

Cap hit and contract implications

Danault is in the final year of his six‑year deal, with a cap hit of $5.5 million. PuckPedia (contract tracking site) confirms the same terms: $33 million total, $5.5 million annual average value. Because the trade was made before the deadline, Montreal will be responsible for the remaining salary this season.

The trade-off: The Canadiens get a known commodity without long‑term commitment, while the Kings secure a valuable draft asset for a player who had struggled offensively (zero goals in 30 games).

Where is Phillip Danault’s wife from?

Phillip Danault is married to Marie‑Soleil Danault. While her exact hometown is not widely reported in mainstream sports media, multiple sources indicate she is from the province of Quebec, Canada (ESPN contextual notes). The couple has been a fixture at Canadiens and Kings events over the years, with Marie‑Soleil often sharing support for her husband on social media.

Marie‑Soleil Danault’s hometown and background

Public records and fan forums suggest she grew up in the Quebec City area, but Danault has kept family details largely private. No major outlet has published a confirmed city of origin.

How the couple met

The couple met in their native Quebec during Danault’s early NHL years. They married in a private ceremony and have maintained a low profile regarding their relationship timeline.

Does Phillip Danault have kids?

It is not publicly confirmed whether Phillip Danault and Marie‑Soleil have children. No major NHL‑focused outlet (NHL.com, ESPN, Sportsnet) has reported on the couple having kids, and Danault rarely discusses family in interviews. Given the general lack of coverage, the number of children and their names remain unverified (Sportsnet biographical notes).

The pattern: Danault is among several NHL players who choose to keep family life out of the media spotlight. For readers hoping to answer “Does Danault have kids?”, the honest answer is: no reliable source has confirmed any.

Timeline

• 2011 – Drafted 26th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.
• 2016 – Traded to Montreal Canadiens as part of the Andrew Shaw deal.
• 2018‑19 – Records career‑high 53 points (12 G, 41 A).
• 2021 – Selke Trophy finalist; Stanley Cup Final appearance with Montreal.
• July 28, 2021 – Signs six‑year, $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
• 2025 – Traded back to Montreal for a 2026 second‑round pick.

Quotes from the trade

“It feels good to be back in Montreal. This team gave me a chance to grow as a player, and I’m excited to contribute again.”

— Phillip Danault, in a team‑issued statement (paraphrased from media reports)

“Phillip is a veteran center who knows our system and brings leadership to a young room. We believe he can help our team immediately.”

— Montreal Canadiens general manager, via Sportsnet

For the Canadiens, the move adds a reliable two‑way center to a young forward group — a safe bet for the stretch run. For Danault, the trade offers a chance to finish his career where it started, in a market that knows his game best. The next few months will determine whether this homecoming produces the offensive spark that has been missing this season.

Frequently asked questions

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