Under the dazzling lights of T-Mobile Arena, the puck glides across the ice—Vegas Golden Knight Max Pacioretty’s stick clashing with Montreal’s new arrival, Phillip Danault. In that split second, a new era for the Canadiens is captured in motion: one of hope, transformation, and a bold gamble that could reshape the franchise’s future. The roar of the crowd fades for a moment, replaced by the silent tension of possibility, as Danault steps into the spotlight with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

Montreal fans have waited anxiously for a move that would address the team’s most glaring weaknesses, and now, with Danault’s arrival, it seems their prayers have been answered. The Canadiens have struggled in the faceoff circle all season, and their inability to consistently shut down opposing top lines has haunted their defensive efforts. Yet, with Danault anchoring the center position, the team’s top nine suddenly looks more formidable, and the pressure on young talents like Oliver Kapanen and Joe Veleno is eased. Kent Hughes, the architect behind this acquisition, appears to have filled a critical need without sacrificing any major prospects—a masterstroke, at least on the surface.

But beneath the excitement and optimism, a subtler story begins to unfold—one that most fans might not see until the dust settles. The trade, while brilliant in its immediate impact on the ice, carries a hidden cost that could complicate the Canadiens’ future moves. In a twist that surprised many, confirmation arrived that the Los Angeles Kings did not retain a single cent of Danault’s hefty $5.5 million salary. The cap gymnastics required to make this deal work are about to get interesting, and as the season progresses, the reality of Montreal’s financial constraints will come into sharper focus.

For now, the team enjoys the flexibility provided by the long-term injured reserve, a temporary solution that masks the underlying problem. But as the trade deadline approaches, that artificial cap space will quickly vanish, forcing Kent Hughes to make tough decisions. Adding another established player to the roster will be a challenge unless a regular contract is subtracted—meaning the Canadiens may have to part ways with a familiar face if they want to further strengthen their lineup. The acquisition of Danault, while undeniably beneficial, has created a delicate balancing act that will test the GM’s creativity and resolve.

The question lingers in the minds of fans and analysts alike: Was this move worth the risk? The Canadiens are undoubtedly better with Danault, his 53.1 percent career faceoff rate and proven two-way play offering exactly what the club needed. But the financial constraint is real, and unless another move is made, future options could be limited. The trade isn’t a major roadblock, but it’s a small downside that could grow larger if not managed carefully.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kent Hughes and his next steps. Will he find a way to juggle the roster and keep the Canadiens competitive, or will this bold acquisition ultimately restrict the team’s ability to chase further success? The answers remain hidden, waiting for the drama to play out on and off the ice. For now, the story of Phillip Danault in Montreal is just beginning—and the outcome is anyone’s guess.

Jun 14, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) passes the puck under the stick of Montreal Canadiens left wing Phillip Danault (24) during the second period of game one of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The acquisition of Phillip Danault by the Montreal Canadiens was well received by a large portion of the fan base.

On the ice, the fit is clear. The Habs have struggled in the faceoff circle since opening night, and they have failed to consistently shut down opposing top lines defensively.

Danault’s arrival in Montreal addresses both issues. It immediately stabilizes the top nine and eases pressure on young centers like Oliver Kapanen and Joe Veleno.

On that front, Kent Hughes clearly filled a need without mortgaging any major prospects.

An acquisition that also comes with a downside for those hoping for another impact move from Kent Hughes and the Canadiens

The downside, however, is purely financial. We finally received confirmation that the Los Angeles Kings did not retain a single cent of Danault’s salary.

“The Montreal Canadiens confirm the LA Kings didn’t retain any of Danault’s $5.5M cap hit.

The cap gymnastics are going to be interesting when everyone returns.” – Marco D’Amico

That complicates things a bit. Danault carries a $5.5 million cap hit, and the fact that the Kings did not retain any salary in the transaction impacts our evaluation of this trade.

This reality now limits the GM’s flexibility for his next move. In the short term, the situation is under control thanks to the long-term injured reserve. But as the trade deadline approaches, that artificial cap space quickly disappears.

Concretely, adding another established player will become difficult without subtracting a regular contract from the lineup.

Kent Hughes will therefore have to juggle his roster if he wants to strengthen the group for the remainder of the season. That’s where the trade becomes a bit more delicate.

The Habs are better today with Danault, but this acquisition reduces future options unless another move is made.

That said, the context remains favorable.

The club needed a reliable center who can win draws and handle top matchups. With a career faceoff rate of 53.1 percent and a proven two-way track record, Danault fits that job description.

We like the trade for what it brings on the ice. We’re simply noting that the contract comes with a very real constraint.

A small downside, not a major roadblock.