There have been plenty of rumors and speculation this past week in the last few days regarding the Los Angeles Kings potentially exploring a trade with the Montreal Canadiens for center Philip Danault.
Los Angeles Kings looking into trade possibilities for center Philip Danault this fall?
Multiple reports and national media figures have reported in the past couple of weeks in early-to-mid December this month that new general manager Ken Holland and the Kings are exploring the possibilities of a Danault trade this regular season. The Kings have been noted to be aggressively looking at the trade market early this regular season for scoring help offensively in the West on the trade block.
Earlier this week, the Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported to TSN Radio that the Kings are "shopping" Danault on the trade block this regular season before the trade deadline next spring in 2026.
The report that the Kings and Holland in the LA front office have been exploring possible trade ideas for Danault this regular season this fall was also backed up by Elliotte Friedman this week.
Danault has not found his rhythm on the ice in the offensive zone early this regular season in the West for head coach Jim Hiller and the Kings' staff this fall.
Among the biggest reasons why the Kings and Holland have reportedly been exploring a possible Danault trade this regular season is the center's struggles scoring the puck in the offensive zone this fall. I think it's worth at least kicking the tires on the possibility of a Danault trade this regular season if Holland and the Kings don't feel that he's contributing consistently on the ice this campaign.
Danault is still a very valued two-way center who is among the better defensive forwards in the league in the NHL this decade. He's also consistent and solid in the faceoff circle for the Kings at the center position.
Danault has been among the best two-way performers in the playoffs in the Western Conference for the Kings in the past few years in the postseason for Hiller and staff. He registered two goals and eight total points in six games this past year in the postseason for the Kings and Hiller.
The Kings have struggled on special teams on the power play this regular season and scoring the puck offensively. Danault and the Kings rank in the bottom three teams in the Western Conference this regular season in goals scored (81).
It's noteworthy that Friedman reported that Danault is "open" to the possibility of playing for a different team in the league this regular season.