The Montreal Canadiens have brought a familiar face back to the Bell Centre in a move aimed at bolstering their youthful lineup. General Manager Kent Hughes acquired veteran centre Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings last month, sending one of the team's two second-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft to California.
A Strategic Acquisition for Experience
This transaction, completed in December 2025, sees the 32-year-old Danault return to the franchise where he spent the first eight seasons of his professional career. The deal underscores a clear strategy from the Canadiens' front office: adding seasoned leadership to what is currently the youngest team in the National Hockey League.
The trade's merits and Danault's early performance in his second stint with the Habs were recently dissected on The Hockey Inside/Out Show. In a bonus episode, The Gazette's Stu Cowan and Brendan Kelly were joined by former Canadiens defenceman and assistant coach Rick Green to analyze the move.
Immediate Impact and Gallagher Connection
A central question surrounding Danault's return is his potential effect on longtime teammate Brendan Gallagher. The two shared many seasons in Montreal, developing a well-known on-ice chemistry. Analysts speculate that Danault's responsible two-way play and veteran presence could create more opportunities and stability for Gallagher, potentially sparking a resurgence in the winger's production.
Danault's first games back have already provided some early glimpses. During a matchup against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, he was active in front of the net, notably attempting to stuff a puck past goaltender Dustin Wolf in the third period, as captured in a photo by Allen McInnis.
Looking Ahead for the Young Canadiens
The acquisition represents a short-term investment in the team's development culture. By surrendering a valuable draft asset, Hughes signals a belief that Danault's experience and specific skill set are crucial for the growth of Montreal's promising core of young players. His role is expected to extend beyond scoring, encompassing defensive responsibilities, face-off prowess, and mentoring.
Fans seeking deeper discussion can find the full analysis on the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel, as well as on popular podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The show's hosts continue to provide weekly bonus content, with another episode scheduled following this discussion.
As the 2025-26 NHL season progresses, the impact of Phillip Danault's homecoming will be closely watched. His ability to elevate the play of veterans like Gallagher while guiding the league's youngest roster will be a key narrative for the Montreal Canadiens' immediate future.
