NHL Trade Rumors: Kings' Phillip Danault Trade Down to 2 Teams

While it's unsure if Phillip Danault has formally asked Los Angeles Kings' general manager Ken Holland to trade him, the talks have advanced, and according to a few different reports, there's a very good chance Danault is moved before the holiday roster freeze on Friday.

The defensive-minded center is having a hard time this season, and the Kings are interested in getting out of his contract, as Danault is owed $5.5 million AAV through next season. His contract carries a 10-team no-trade clause, but that's necessarily coming into play considering the divorce appears much more important than the destination.

Frank Seravalli: Will we see a trade materialize by Friday night [trade freeze]? I think there's a solid possibility that that happens when it comes to Phillip Danault and the Kings - Insider Notebook (12/16)

As far as teams are concerned, rumor has the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils are the last two teams standing and are going back and forth with Holland in advanced trade talks. Both teams are in the market for help down the middle of the ice, and even though Danault has produced just five assists in 30 games, there's plenty to like about his track record, and his ability to bounce back.

Danault is coming off back to back 40-point seasons, and hit 50 points the two seasons prior. He's great in the faceoff circle, he can play in all situations, and for both the Devils and the Canadiens, he'd be the defensive stopper they're looking for come playoff time.

The one wrinkle here is Nashville Predators' center Ryan O'Reilly. The Preds are listening but have been keeping 'The Factor' in the know in trade talks, and although he doesn't have trade protection, Barry Trotz isn't going to move him to a city he's not interested in. At this point, Montreal seems like an absolute no-fly zone for O'Reilly, which means a Danault reunion could be coming.

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