Canadiens' Danault Trade Transformed Their Season

Acquiring the veteran center in December sparked a major turnaround for Montreal.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp geometric planes in muted tones of blue, gray, and white, hinting at the dynamic action and strategic play on the ice.The Canadiens' midseason trade for Phillip Danault has sparked a dramatic turnaround, deconstructing their season into a geometric display of renewed energy and defensive stability.Los Angeles Today

The Montreal Canadiens' acquisition of center Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings in December 2025 completely transformed their season. Since the trade, the Canadiens have gone 26-9-6, putting them in 3rd place in the NHL standings. Prior to the trade, the Canadiens had an 18-12-4 record and were in 13th place in the league.

Why it matters

The Canadiens needed a reliable two-way center who could win faceoffs and play solid defense, and Danault has provided that stability to their bottom six. The trade has proven to be a smart move by Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, as the team has surged up the standings since acquiring Danault.

The details

On December 19, 2025, the Canadiens traded a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Kings to bring Phillip Danault back to Montreal. Since the trade, the Canadiens have gone 26-9-6, which is the 3rd best record in the NHL over that span, trailing only the Sabres and Lightning. Prior to the trade, the Canadiens had an 18-12-4 record and were in 13th place in the league standings.

  • The Canadiens acquired Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings on December 19, 2025.
  • Since the Danault trade, the Canadiens have gone 26-9-6 from December 19, 2025 through the present.

The players

Phillip Danault

A veteran center acquired by the Montreal Canadiens from the Los Angeles Kings in December 2025, who has stabilized the team's bottom six and helped spark their surge up the standings.

Kent Hughes

The general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, who made the trade to acquire Phillip Danault in December 2025.

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The takeaway

The Canadiens' trade for Phillip Danault has proven to be a pivotal move that has transformed their season, as the veteran center has provided stability and defensive responsibility to their bottom six. The trade highlights the importance of acquiring the right complementary pieces to build a contending team.