NHL Trade Rumors: Canadiens & Kings In Advanced Trade Talks

Keep an eye on the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings. The two teams are in discussions on a trade that would send Kings' center Phillip Danault back to Montreal.

There's been multiple reports the two teams are in talks, as Danault is having a terrible start to the year, and the Kings are trying to find him a change of scenery. Danault spent parts of six seasons in the Canadiens organization from 2015-2021.

The 32-year-old defensive center has appeared in 30 games this season, hasn't scored a goal, and has added five assists. Last season in 80 games, Danault scored five times and ended the year with 43 points. He's owed $5.5 million AAV this season and next, and has a 10-team no-trade clause on his contract. One Canadiens forward to keep an eye on here is Josh Anderson heading the other way.

32 Thoughts (Dec 12): Elliotte talks about the Philip Danualt trade talk that is out there. He thinks Ken Holland likes the Danault type player even if he's struggling and C are hard to find. Has been told LA won't move him unless a team makes it worth it.

The Canadiens have been in the market for a second-line center all season long. Danault would be a huge risk considering how bad he's playing this season, but they do know the player, he knows the city, and it could be the perfect reunion to kick start a bounce back.

Frank Seravalli: Re Phillip Danault: Teams have been calling, I think the Canadiens...they make a lot of sense to me, and I know a number of other teams have called to try and get in the mix - Flames Talk (12/10)

Montreal currently has $3.1 million available in cap space, and would need to move a contract back to LA to make the deal work. They also are struggling with consistency in net, and while they hope Jacob Fowler is going to take off after winning his first start, they are gauging the trade market to see if there's potential to make an upgrade in season.

Canadiens are busy, the Kings are listening, we could see a deal between these two clubs in the coming days.

A future homecoming for Phillip Danault? 🤔@frank_seravalli breaks down the possibility of a reunion for Danault and the Habs. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/2gPd5KOyzm
— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) December 12, 2025