The Montreal Canadiens are pursuing Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault, according to Frank Seravalli’s report Thursday on Prime Video’s Coast to Coast.
Seravalli adds that Danault could be moved before the Dec. 20 holiday roster freeze.
The 32-year-old center has struggled offensively this season with just five assists through 30 games.
Danault hasn’t found the back of the net despite 42 shots on goal. Last season, he recorded eight goals and 43 points in the regular season, then added two goals and eight points across six playoff games. He’s surpassed the 40-point mark in all four seasons with Los Angeles.
The potential reunion makes sense for Montreal. Danault spent six seasons with the Canadiens from 2016-21, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive forwards.
He finished in the top-10 for Selke Trophy voting four times during his Montreal tenure. The award recognizes the NHL’s best defensive forward.
Danault played a crucial role in Montreal’s surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.
Montreal currently has depth concerns at center. Two rookies, Oliver Kapanen and Owen Beck, are playing down the middle with Kirby Dach and Jake Evans both sidelined with injuries.
Any potential deal would need to work around Danault’s contract terms. He’s signed through 2026-27 with a $5.5-million cap hit.
Danault also holds a 10-team no-trade list, though it’s unclear if Montreal is among the teams he can block.
