The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Hockey›Phillip Danault
Sports • Hockey

Phillip Danault

Phillip Danault is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who has played in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phillip Danault is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who has played in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings. Born in Victoriaville, Quebec, he was drafted 26th overall by Chicago in 2011 and is known for his defensive play.

Early life and junior career

Danault was born in Victoriaville, Quebec, and played junior hockey largely with his hometown club in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He was recognized as the league’s best defensive forward in 2010–11, winning the Guy Carbonneau Trophy.

NHL career

Danault was drafted by Chicago in 2011, reached the NHL in 2015, and was traded to Montreal in February 2016. He played six seasons with the Canadiens before signing with the Los Angeles Kings in July 2021. He was traded back to Montreal in 2025.

Playing style

Danault is primarily known as a defensive centre with strong two-way play. Sources describe him as a centre and left-shooting forward.

International and playoff impact

Danault has been used in important defensive roles and produced significant playoff value, including Montreal’s run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, where the team lost to Tampa Bay. NHL team sources also note his playoff scoring totals across his career.

Key facts

  • Danault is a Canadian NHL centre from Victoriaville, Quebec.
  • He was selected 26th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Draft.
  • He won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2010–11.
  • He played six seasons with the Montreal Canadiens before signing with the Los Angeles Kings in July 2021.
  • He helped Montreal reach the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
🍁
Canadian context

Danault is from Victoriaville, Quebec, and has played a significant part of his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, making him a notable Quebec-born Canadian player for Canadian hockey audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Phillip Danault play?
He plays centre and shoots left.
Which team drafted Phillip Danault?
The Chicago Blackhawks drafted him 26th overall in 2011.
Where is Phillip Danault from?
He was born in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada.
What teams has Phillip Danault played for in the NHL?
He has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings.
What is Phillip Danault known for?
He is known for his defensive play and two-way centre role.

References

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/player/phillip-danault-8476479
    Supports: Junior career, NHL debut, trade to Montreal, contract with Canadiens, 2021 playoff run
  2. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/player/150/phillip-danault/
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, position, height, weight, draft details
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/los-angeles-kings-trade-phillip-danault-to-montreal-canadiens
    Supports: Trade back to Montreal, contract details, NHL career totals and previous teams
  4. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/45282/phillip-danault
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, position, shooting side, draft, family details
  5. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Danault
    Supports: Position, team history, career start