Every once in a while, a single decision can alter the trajectory of an entire franchise—and for the Montreal Canadiens, the summer of 2021 remains a haunting “what if.” As the team continues its search for the elusive second-line center who can anchor both ends of the ice, the name Phillip Danault refuses to fade from memory.

Once the heartbeat of Montreal’s shutdown game, Danault’s departure left a void that the Canadiens have yet to fill. Now, as the Los Angeles Kings face their own moment of reckoning after repeated playoff heartbreaks, whispers are growing louder about a possible reunion that could reshape both teams’ futures.

Could Danault, the Quebec native who once wore the CH with pride, truly be the answer to Montreal’s lingering question down the middle? As speculation swirls and fans dare to dream, the possibility of bringing back a former fan favourite has never felt more tantalizing—or more complicated.

Apr 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Kings center Phillip Danault (24) is recognized as the first star of the night after game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In the summer of 2021, the Montreal Canadiens made a major mistake by letting Phillip Danault walk.

He had expressed his desire to stay in Montreal, but due to a $500,000 disagreement, the Quebec-born forward instead joined the Los Angeles Kings, where he became a key piece of the puzzle for the California team.

The Kings gave him a more offensive role, and he even scored 27 goals in his first season in L.A.- a career high.

However, the Kings organization is now at a crossroads. After four straight first-round playoff exits at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, changes are needed.

What if Phillip Danault Were the Second-Line Center the Canadiens Have Been Searching For?

This possibility was floated by insider Marc-Olivier Beaudoin. While there haven’t been any formal rumors about it, it’s still something worth considering.

“I don’t know if Danault would be open to returning to Montreal, I don’t know if the Kings would be willing to trade him (they’re in ‘win-now’ mode), but it would be such a strong addition to the offense.”

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

Now 32 years old, Danault still has two seasons remaining on the contract he signed in summer 2021, which pays him $5.5 million per year.

Looking at the Kings’ current lineup, he’s likely to start the upcoming season as their third-line center-but it’s very likely he could serve as the second-line center in Montreal.

In four seasons wearing black and silver, the Victoriaville native has tallied 195 points, including 70 goals, in 319 games.

Do you like this idea?