Phillip Danault opens up ahead of his emotional Bell Centre homecoming vs. the Flames
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Wednesday, Phillip Danault sets foot in the Bell Centre again. The stage is perfectly set for a return that makes waves.
On December 20, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they had acquired him from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026. Two weeks later, we are already at the first big home moment.
Danault knows the city, the pressure, and the energy of the fans. He played in Montreal from 2015 to 2021, with a 53-point season in 81 games in 2018-2019, thanks to 12 goals and 41 assists.
His recent stint in California can be summed up easily in numbers. This season, before the trade, he totaled five assists in 30 games with the Kings, with no goals to his name.
Phillip Danault sends a strong message ahead of tonight's game against the Calgary Flames
Now, ahead of his Bell Centre homecoming, Danault has sent a special message.
"Philip Danault says being back in the Bell Centre dressing room feels like he never left.
Danault also said he's had January 7th circled since the trade as he's excited to play in front of the Montreal fans at home once again."
- Priyanta Emrith
Danault also said he's had January 7th circled since the trade as he's excited to play in front of the Montreal fans at home once again."
- Priyanta Emrith
It should not be forgotten that Danault has already proven he can produce elsewhere as well. In 2021-2022, he recorded 51 points in 79 games in Los Angeles, including 27 goals.
Tonight, it is less a story about the scoreboard than a meeting with the crowd. Tonight, the Calgary Flames come to Montreal, and the Bell Centre will bring back memories for him.
The Habs did not bring back an unknown; they brought back a name that was already at the heart of several seasons here.
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Unusual schedule change for tonight's Canadiens-Flames game
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 7 | 367 ANSWERS Phillip Danault opens up ahead of his emotional Bell Centre homecoming vs. the Flames Phillip Danault at the Bell Centre-how does that make you feel? | ||
| Super excited | 126 | 34.3 % |
| Happy | 147 | 40.1 % |
| I hope he scores | 94 | 25.6 % |
| List of polls | ||