Phillip Danault: Contract, Wife, Trade & Career Stats

There’s a reason the Bell Centre crowd still cheers when Phillip Danault touches the puck, even after he signed with the Los Angeles Kings in 2021. The Montreal Canadiens’ former second-line center built a reputation as one of the NHL’s premier defensive forwards, finishing seventh in Selke Trophy voting in 2018‑19.

Team: Los Angeles Kings · Position: Center · Age: 33 (born February 24, 1993) · Contract: 6 years, $33 million (2021‑2027) · Career Points: 399 (as of 2025‑26) · Selke Trophy Voting: 7th in 2018‑19

13 key facts, one pattern: Danault’s trajectory from a depth pick to a defensive specialist who earned a Selke look and a long‑term payday.

What happened to Phillip Danault?

Did Phillip Danault get traded?

Yes. Danault was traded twice: from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Montreal Canadiens in February 2016, and then as an unrestricted free agent he signed with the Los Angeles Kings in July 2021. The first move sent a second‑round pick to Chicago; the second was a six‑year, $33 million contract that gave him a $5.5 million average annual value, according to Sportsnet. The Blackhawks originally selected him 26th overall in the 2011 draft, per NHL.com.

When did Phillip Danault join the Canadiens?

He joined Montreal in February 2016 after the trade. He played 360 games for the Canadiens, recording 194 points, as reported by Sportsnet. During his time in Montreal, he developed into a top‑pair defensive center, leading all Canadiens forwards in shorthanded time on ice during the 2020‑21 regular season and playoffs, noted by LA Kings Insider (team‑affiliated news).

Why was Phillip Danault traded from the Blackhawks?

The Blackhawks traded him to Montreal for a second‑round pick in 2016. At the time, Chicago was retooling and Danault was still viewed as a promising but unproven prospect. The move allowed him to earn a larger role. In Montreal he became a matchup‑focused center, eventually finishing seventh in Selke Trophy voting in 2018‑19, as listed on NHL.com.

The implication: Danault’s journey underscores how defensive reliability can command a long‑term contract even without elite offensive numbers.

Who is Phillip Danault’s wife?

Where is Phillip Danault’s wife from?

Phillip Danault is married to Marie‑Pier Danault. She is from Quebec, Canada, and the couple resides in Montreal during the off‑season. The information is publicly available through biographical profiles and was reported in Wikipedia.

Does Phillip Danault have kids?

Yes, the Danaults have two children. Specific names and birthdates have not been widely published, so the exact details remain private. The couple has shared occasional family photos on social media but keeps their children out of the spotlight.

How long is Phillip Danault’s contract?

What is Phillip Danault’s salary?

Danault signed a six‑year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 28, 2021. The total value is $33 million, with an average annual cap hit of $5.5 million, per Sportsnet. His base salary varies by year, but the structure is back‑loaded according to public records.

What is Phillip Danault’s cap hit?

His cap hit is $5.5 million each season. The contract includes a modified no‑trade clause, which gives Danault limited control over any potential trade destinations. Sportsnet reported that the deal was designed to keep him in L.A. through his age‑34 season.

When does Phillip Danault’s contract expire?

The deal runs through the 2026‑27 season. After that, Danault will become an unrestricted free agent at age 34, unless he signs an extension before then.

The pattern: L.A. invested in defensive stability at a price that could become advantageous if the salary cap rises.

Danault’s career arc — from a second‑round‑pick prospect to a Selke‑finalist paid $33 million — illustrates how a relentless defensive commitment can outpace raw offensive numbers. For the Los Angeles Kings, the decision is clear: keep him as their shutdown center through 2027, or trade him during the final year if a younger core emerges.