The lights of Montreal burned late into the night, anticipation pulsing through the city like electricity before a thunderstorm. Somewhere behind closed doors, a phone rang—its message destined to send shockwaves through the hockey world. Phillip Danault, the prodigal son of the Canadiens, was coming home. But this was no ordinary homecoming. The trade that brought him back from Los Angeles had the city buzzing with rumors, hope, and a touch of disbelief. The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic: Montreal, locked in a playoff race tighter than rush hour on Décarie, needed a spark—and Danault, with his signature defensive prowess and familiar swagger, was poised to deliver.

Yet, nothing about this return was simple. The plan, whispered in the halls of the Bell Centre and dissected by insiders, was as delicate as a power play in overtime: no action against Pittsburgh on Saturday, a tentative possibility for Sunday, and all eyes fixed on Tuesday’s showdown in Boston. The stakes? Monumental. Facing a Bruins team boasting a ferocious home record and a rivalry that stretches back generations, Danault’s first shift could set the tone for the Canadiens’ entire season. But would he be ready for the intensity, the pressure, and the expectation that comes with wearing the CH crest in moments that matter most?

As the city held its breath, the numbers told their own story. Danault’s season with the Kings had been quiet—no goals, just five assists, and a modest plus-three rating over thirty games. For a player with 741 career games and nearly 400 points to his name, the statistics seemed almost out of place. But hockey is rarely just about numbers. It’s about timing, chemistry, and the intangible energy a player brings when the stakes are highest. Could Danault, fresh off a cross-country flight and thrust into the heart of a playoff hunt, recapture the magic that made him a fan favorite in Montreal? Or would the pressure prove too great, the expectations too heavy, the spotlight too unforgiving?

The answer, as always, lay somewhere between the lines—hidden in the whispers, the strategy, and the unpredictable rhythm of the NHL schedule. Montreal’s recent surge, their gritty road wins, and their dogged determination had set the stage for something special. But with Danault’s $5.5 million cap hit looming large and his contract stretching through 2027, the stakes were more than emotional—they were financial, strategic, and deeply personal. Every shift, every pass, every decision would be scrutinized not just by coaches and analysts, but by fans who remembered the last time Danault wore the red, white, and blue.

So, what will happen when Phillip Danault steps onto the ice in Boston? Will he ignite a run for the ages, or will the weight of expectation slow him down? The answers are coming, but for now, the city waits, the fans speculate, and the story grows more intriguing with every passing hour. One thing is certain: this is not just another game. It’s the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with drama, hope, and the kind of hockey magic that only Montreal can conjure. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come.

Photo of Phillip Danault

Photo credit: NHL

The plan circulating is simple and precise: no game Saturday against the Penguins, and a hoped-for appearance Tuesday against the Bruins.

For Sunday, the door remains slightly open, but nothing is guaranteed.

This return comes at the right time, because Montreal has just brought back a familiar face.

The Montreal Canadiens acquired Danault from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2nd-round pick in 2026, a pick obtained via Columbus.

Phillip Danault should miss Saturday’s game, but he is expected to be there Tuesday in Boston

“I’m told Phillip Danault won’t be able to play Saturday. Don’t know yet for Sunday’s game but for sure he’ll be in Canadiens lineup on Tuesday in Boston.”

– Renaud Lavoie

Meanwhile, both teams on the schedule arrive with solid results.

The Montreal Canadiens sit at 18-12-4, while the Boston Bruins are at 20-15-0. Boston also has a 12-6-0 record at home, and Montreal is 9-3-3 on the road.

The schedule is as tight as downtown Décarie traffic. Montreal hosts Pittsburgh Tonight, plays in Pittsburgh Sunday, then heads to Boston Tuesday.

If Danault is indeed ready Tuesday, he will jump straight into an intense stretch.

In 30 games this season, Phillip Danault has 0 goals, 5 assists for a total of 5 points in 30 games with the Los Angeles Kings, with a +3 rating. In his NHL career, he has totaled 741 games and 399 points.

Contract-wise, we are talking about a clear impact on the salary cap. Danault has a 5.5 M$ cap hit, and his contract runs until the end of 2026-27.

Story to follow!