Danault’s Strong Playoffs Play Poses Complications for Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens were considered heavy favorites in the North Division coming into the 2020-21 NHL season. As the campaign wore on, the team faltered and it looked like general manager Marc Bergevin’s plan to go all-in during the offseason wasn’t going to pan out. But, as the playoffs have gone along, the Canadiens managed to turn things around, get through the heavily-favorited Toronto Maple Leafs and have a 3-0 series lead on the Winnipeg Jets. Things are certainly clicking.

Related: Jeff Petry a Game-Time Decision For Canadiens vs. Jets

“He just does everything all the time at 100 per cent intensity…”@CraigJButton on how Phillip Danault's value is not measured on the stat sheet for the Canadiens: https://t.co/aZQc67KHXp#TSNHockey | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/a5zFCMsqMc

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 7, 2021

A big part of the reason the Habs are playing as well as they are is because of the play of Phillip Danault. Danault’s lack of scoring was a real concern for the Canadiens coming into the season, and frankly into this year’s playoffs. There was talk at the start of the year that he was unhappy with his role and hinted his time as a player on this team might be over sooner than later. With a new crop of young forwards coming up through the ranks and likely taking his spot, he didn’t just want to be a defense-first kind of player.

Still, he’s been exactly what the Canadiens need. Late in the series against Toronto, Danault said, “I think when we had our backs against the wall – I think we all looked at ourselves in the mirror and we all saw that we had much better [to give] and this couldn’t be it.” He then proceeded to stifle Auston Matthews offensively, and he’s kept the strong play going as the Jets haven’t been able to get a whole lot going in this current series. He’s an important part of the team and he takes pride in shutting talented players down.

“We rely on Phil quite a bit,” Brendan Gallagher said. “He plays some hard minutes, and it’s part of his job and he’s doing great right now.” Craig Button of TSN noted that Danault’s real value doesn’t necessarily come on the scoresheet. He said, “He just does everything, all the time at 100% intensity, He does it with the puck, he does it without the puck.” Button adds that Danault’s value comes when you understand that he can contribute in every significant area and he never cheats you on effort and finds ways to get his game to a higher level come playoff time.

Canadiens and Danault Need to Have a Long Talk After the Season Ends

Unfortunately, keeping Danault beyond this season could pose difficult. He’s a pending UFA coming off a $3.83 million contract as a 28-year-old. He’s not old, but he’s also not so young that he can afford to pass up an attractive offer should another team come calling.

There will be some room if the Canadiens let Tomas Tatar, Eric Staal, Corey Perry, and Joel Armia walk. But, the team’s fourth line is also playing well and low-cost contracts are not just a reality in today’s NHL, but a necessity for teams to be successful. The Canadiens are heavily invested in some of their key players, with some other younger players not far away from sizeable raises. Their cap situation will require some astute planning moving forward.

Where does Danault fit in the long-term game plan of this organization?

Danault Doesn’t Seem Eager to Leave

“We’ve been through a lot, we got a tight group, good energy in the locker room,” he said. Those are not the words of a player looking to take off the minute he gets an opportunity. But, there’s only so much money available for Bergevin to sign a player as valuable as Danault this offseason.

The forward will likely want a raise and more offensive responsibility. So too, while 31 other teams watch what he’s done in the playoffs and say to themselves they could probably use a bit more of that on their own team, GMs are well aware there might be a window to make an offer.

To be honest ,there not be another forward in recent memory who played such a prominent role in a series while only scoring one point. What is that worth this summer? While the flashy players tend to get all the love financially, the Canadiens will need to know that Danault will be an attractive add for a team and if they push him to the backburner again this offseason, he probably won’t hesitate to explore his options.

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