Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault came to Los Angeles as a free agent on July 28, 2021. The Kings are getting their money’s worth and more. Could Danault be the best player on the current roster?
One could certainly argue that fact. Since arriving on the King’s roster, Danault has done as advertised. He is a tremendous two-way player who is a defense-first forward. With that said, Danault also is a second-tier goal-scorer who has scored some big goals since coming to the Kings.
The 6-foot-1 and 200-pound center from Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada, has yet to disappoint with the Kings. One of the main reasons The Kings targeted Danault was his solid two-way game. He has displayed a little more aggressiveness in his two-way game, with a more aggressive forecheck.
Danault has been on the second line with wingers Trevor Moore and Viktor Arvidsson. The line would go on to be the Kings’ best line most nights, creating havoc in all three zones. Moore set career highs in all offensive categories, and Arvidsson was a scoring threat whenever he was on the ice. Danault provided the offense with the Montreal Canadiens but has almost made it a goal to be better offensively, as he has been better with offensive production. This season he has three goals and four assists for seven points in 12 games. In 90 games played with the Kings, Danault has 31 goals and 26 assists for 57 points while maintaining a +13. He has two goals and three assists for five points in his last six games.
His all-around game is nothing short of amazing. Danault has simplified his game in Los Angeles and has made him a better player. Not only has he elevated his game, but he has also made his linemates better at the same time. He could arguably play on the top line in place of captain Anze Kopitar.
It would surprise no one if Danault saw some Selke Trophy votes at the end of the season. Last season, Danault finished eighth in the voting, two slots below Kopitar. Danault could work his way up to a point-per-game if he continues his solid play. He has been a great addition, one that the Kings would do 100 times out of 100.
(photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley) (photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley)
