The Montreal Canadiens have done quite a bit of work this offseason, reshaping their roster while also locking up a couple of their core pieces. Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson, and Jake Allen will provide a new look for the team next season, while Brendan Gallagher and Jeff Petry were both given expensive, long-term extensions. One other name that some have hoped would earn an extension is Phillip Danault, who is heading into the final season of his three-year, $9.25MM deal and coming off another strong two-way performance.
Danault, 27, will likely never be a 30-goal scorer or top offensive producer at the NHL level, but has provided quite a bit of value for the Canadiens in other ways. Finishing seventh in Selke voting in 2019 and sixth this past year, he has also managed to record 165 points in 286 games over the last four seasons. One of the best faceoff men in the league, an excellent penalty killer, and a strong role model for the Canadiens younger centers, a long-term extension could be a good fit for both sides.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though those talks have happened yet. Danault spoke with reporters today including Eric Engels of Sportsnet and told them “at this point, there’s no negotiations” going on regarding his next contract. Of course, it’s not even clear if he wants to stay in Montreal given the fact that his role may eventually be reduced, with the emergence of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki. After the Canadiens were eliminated from the 2020 postseason—where coincidentally Kotkaniemi and Suzuki both played well and outscored Danault—he told reporters that he doesn’t necessarily want to be relegated to a purely defensive role on the team and believes he has even more offensive ability to contribute.
For the Canadiens, having Danault as a third-line option would be a luxury, one perhaps they’re not willing to pay for. The team traded away Max Domi this offseason because there wasn’t a clear fit for him down the middle and he was going to need a big raise. A similar departure may happen to Danault if the team believes there isn’t a financial match for the role they want him to play.
There is good reason to believe other teams would be willing to give him that increased opportunity though, even if his career-high of 13 goals isn’t very impressive. Strong possession numbers and solid production at even-strength—just 12 of Danault’s 175 career points have come on the powerplay—are exactly what many are looking for down the middle.
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M.B.’s going to do the unthinkable — offer sheet his own guy! And, for less than what he’s asking for! Hey, it’s the year of COVID – *anything* could happen… :)
Family is a good player, and with the covid debacle, a two or three year pact with chicago would make sense wouldn’t it? A team that ultimately won’t be a contender, but can still be dangerous at times and give him a chance to showcase himself would be just what the doctor ordered.
Danault is a 3rd line Center with the emergence of Kotkaniemi, Suzuki , and as a Chicago fan they are strong at the Center position with Toews, Dach, & Strome , so don’t think they will be interested. And they have a few players to sign.
Danault is a very good 3rd line centre maybe the best in the league. But, he doesn’t seem to want to admit this. He has put up points only because he has gotten top wingers because he used to be the Habs top option at centre. He’s no longer that guy. Suzuki and Kotkaniemi are the future 1-/ guys and Danault is not happy about it. So Bergevin should trade Danault now while he still has some value. Trade Danault to a team that has room for him in the top 6. Then deal for a guy that can be a 3rd line centre (S. Bennett would be my guy) or sign one of the UFA’s that still out there. (Should have signed M. Koivu earlier in the off season, Bergy is slow to react).