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Canadiens linked to two-time Stanley Cup champion after Danault trade
Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
Since December 19, 2025, Kent Hughes has already made a move by bringing Phillip Danault back from Los Angeles.
The Canadiens gave up a second-round pick in 2026, and Danault arrives with a cap hit of $5.5 million through the 2026-27 season.
On the ice, Danault has played 30 games this season: no goals and five assists. He has still won 52.9% of his faceoffs, which remains a clear asset for a team.
In the standings, Montreal holds a 20-12-6 record for 46 points. When a team is still playing meaningful hockey in December, it changes the tone-and it changes priorities.
Blake Coleman catches the eye of Arpon Basu
The name Blake Coleman is already circulating as a possible target for the Canadiens.
Coleman, for his part, has played 39 games, recording 12 goals and seven assists for 19 points. In his best season, 2023-24, he broke out with 30 goals in 78 games-and that wasn't by accident. Coleman also won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021,
He is 34 years old, earns $4.9 million per season, and his contract runs through the end of 2026-27. It's a file that's easy to read, because the price is stable and the term is known.
"The Canadiens nabbed No. 9 on the list when they acquired center Phillip Danault from the Kings one hour before the holiday trade freeze, but they still have trade capital and Coleman plays a hard game, kills penalties, can pitch in on the power play and has Stanley Cup pedigree. But the real beauty is he has one year left on his contract after this one, same as Danault, Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson. By 2027-28, the Canadiens should be ready to truly hand the team over to their youngest players. Until then, players such as Coleman and Danault can help serve as a veteran bridge."
- Arpon Basu
- Arpon Basu
On Saturday, he scored the game-winning goal against Edmonton, a game that generated plenty of buzz in Calgary. The Flames currently have a 17-18-4 record for 38 points, and they are far from the ideal picture.
In that context, the idea of adding a depth player often comes up around the Canadiens. Coleman also has a playoff-style profile that always draws attention, especially as the trade deadline approaches.
It remains to be seen what the real cost would be, because Calgary can sell an established player at a high price. But as a simple idea, Coleman in Montreal isn't coming out of nowhere.
File to watch!
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