Phillip Danault has returned to the Montreal Canadiens following a period of low offensive production with the Los Angeles Kings . As he approaches the final year of his current contract in the 2026-27 season, the veteran centre is looking to leverage recent postseason success into a long-term future in Montreal.

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A rebound from zero goals in Los Angeles

The transition from the Los Angeles Kings to the Montreal Canadiens marked a significant shift in performance for Phillip Danault. During a difficult tenure in Los Angeles, Danault struggled to find the back of the net, recording zero goals and only five assists across 30 games. The decision to bring him back to Montreal last autumn was widely praised as a strategic move to bolster the team's depth at the centre position.

While his regular-season numbers remained modest, Danault showed a renewed spark when the pressure intensified. As the report states, the veteran player appeared to find his rhythm during the 2025-26 postseason, where he tallied 10 points and two goals over 19 playoff contests. This ability to perform in high-stakes environments suggests that Danault remains a vital asset for the Montreal Canadiens' playoff aspirations.

The 56.2 percent face-off rate and 12-point regular season

Phillip Danault provided consistent utility to the Montreal Canadiens during the 2025-26 campaign, even when his scoring was not at its peak. While he only recorded 6 goals and 12 points in 45 games, his underlying metrics remained strong. Specifically, Danault maintained an impressive 56.2 percent face-off win rate, providing the Canadiens with a reliable option in the circle.

The Montreal Canadiens' coaching staff has leaned on Danault's familiarity with the club's system to provide leadership and stability. His statistical profile for the season highlights a player who may not be a primary scoring threat every night, but who offers essential tactical advantages:

  • Face-off dominance: A 56.2 percent success rate.
  • Postseason reliability : 10 points in 19 playoff games.
  • System familiarity: A seamless transition back to the Montreal roster.

    • The 2026-27 contract deadline and the search for a new deal

    The upcoming 2026-27 season represents a critical juncture for the career of Phillip Danault. Because this period marks the final year of his current contract, every performance will be scrutinized by both the Montreal Canadiens' management and potential suitors across the NHL. The pressure to deliver a career-best season is compounded by the prospect of a lucrative new deal.

    According to the source, Danault has a proven track record of offensive consistency, having accumulated 43 points between the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons. to secure a favorable extension with Montreal, Danault will likely need to translate his clutch postseason playmaking into sustained regular-season production. A high-scoring year could either solidify his place in Montreal's long-term plans or attract significant interest from other professional clubs.

    Will the Canadiens prioritize a veteran extension?

    Several questions remain regarding how the Montreal Canadiens will handle Danault's impending free agency. While the team clearly values his leadership and face-off proficiency, it is currently unverified whether the organization intends to offer a long-term commitment or if they view him as a short-term veteran stopgap. Furthermore, the report does not clarify if Danault's recent playoff surge is a sustainable trend or a temporary peak.