The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed forward Phillip Danault to a six-year $33 million dollar contract. The contract carries Danault through the 2026-27 season.
Phillip Danault Signs With the Los Angeles Kings
Phil Danault has signed with the LA Kings, six years, $5.5M AAV@TSNHockey @TheAthletic
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 28, 2021
The Kings have added a most important roster pieces in Danault. Danault has become one of the premier shutdown centres in the league, proving so during the Canadiens’ Stanley Cup run this past season. Danault played a significant role in holding Maurice Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews to one goal during their seven-game series versus the Leafs.
He also did well to keep Mark Stone off the score sheet altogether in their semi-final matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. He played a significant role in holding Brayden Point to just three points in the Stanley Cup Final. Point finished the playoffs first in goal scoring, however, was unable to find the back of the net against the Canadiens, largely due to the play of Danault.
During the regular season, Danault scored five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 53 games. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Danault scored one goal and three assists in 22 playoff games.
Danault was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, 26th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Canadiens in 2016 in a trade that sent Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann to the Blackhawks. The Canadiens also received a second-round pick in the deal which was used to select Alexander Romanov.
What This Means for the Future
Danault was the Canadiens most important free agent this season, but chose to go to the Kings instead. While he’s not going to light up the score sheet, his defensive abilities are outstanding. He was also a part of one of the best 5v5 lines in the league over the last few seasons next to Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Tatar.
With Danault under contract, the Kings’ centre depth is outstanding and the team has many up and coming young prospects.
Danault’s play in the playoffs proved how valuable he is to the team. He will be an important piece moving forward as the Kings attempt to get back in the playoffs.
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