Phillip Danault's first words to Canadiens fans following Kings trade

Two days after being traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Montreal Canadiens, forward Phillip Danault shared a message with the fans.

In a video posted by the team on X, the 32-year-old veteran said he was looking forward to returning to the Bell Centre.

"I just wanted to tell you that I am extremely excited to see you again at the Bell Centre. It feels good to be coming home," he said.

This marks Danault's second stint with the Canadiens. He played for the organization from 2016-21. He signed a six-year, $33 million contract ($5.5 million AAV) with the Kings in the summer of 2021.

Phillip Danault fits perfectly into Canadiens' system

Danault is a perfect prototype for the pace-and-possession system Martin St. Louis demands. He wins his shifts not with highlight-reel plays, but with hockey sense. He has smart positioning, sharp reads and reliable support down the middle. 

Playing behind Nick Suzuki in Montreal, he provides the Habs with a steadying presence at second-line center. His ability to control play and create space allows wingers like Ivan Demidov or Juraj Slafkovsky to concentrate on what they do best: scoring.

In 30 games with Los Angeles this season, he recorded five assists. In his NHL career with the Canadiens, Kings and Chicago Blackhawks, he has 125 goals and 274 assists for 399 points in 741 games. Danault is scheduled to speak with the Montreal media on Tuesday ahead of the Canadiens' game in Boston against the Bruins.