Introduction
When the Montreal Canadiens’ general manager, Kent Hughes, made a bold move to bring in Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings prior to the Christmas roster freeze, many questioned the decision. Danault came with a hefty $5.5 million cap hit and a contract that extended for another year, leading to concerns about his impact on the growth of emerging talents within the squad. Fast forward four months and it’s clear that Hughes’s acquisition was a masterstroke.
Danault’s Impact on the Team
One major development that has unfolded is that highly regarded prospect Michael Hage opted to remain with the Michigan Wolverines for an additional season, which could have potentially pointed to a gap in the roster for NHL-ready talent. Nonetheless, Danault’s contributions cannot be overstated, particularly as he was instrumental in the Canadiens securing a critical 3-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5.
Strategic Lineup Adjustments
Head coach Martin St-Louis adjusted his lineup strategies on Wednesday night, placing Danault on the fourth line alongside Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook. This line combination was designed to minimize Danault’s ice time while maximizing his effectiveness during penalty kills. However, St-Louis also strategically utilized Danault on the ice with key players like Nick Suzuki whenever necessary. With Cole Caufield not making a significant mark in the series, pairing Danault with Suzuki became a wise decision.
Performance in Critical Moments
As the Canadiens took the lead in the third period, Danault’s presence on the ice became even more prominent; he logged a remarkable 8 minutes and 16 seconds during the final frame, maintaining his position from the 16:29 mark until the game’s end. With the Lightning pressing hard, especially after pulling their goaltender for a sixth attacker, Danault was crucial—taking faceoffs, blocking shots, and clearing pucks from danger. In total, he accumulated 19 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time, registered two hits, earned a takeaway, and won six out of ten faceoffs.
Teammate Praise
After the game, teammate Kirby Dach praised Danault’s influence on the team, stating, “Phil’s been awesome for us all year. Since he joined, he has really brought stability to our lineup. As a young centerman, I learn so much from him about draws and responsibility on the ice. His veteran leadership is invaluable, providing a calming presence during tough moments. He’s always ready to step up, put the puck in deep, and generate momentum for the lines that follow.”
Dach underscored that Danault’s impact extends beyond the scoresheet, reiterating exactly why Hughes was eager to acquire him. There appears to be no regrets about that second-round pick, and Danault has proven his worth time and time again.
