Breaking: Kings Push for Danault via Evans Trade, Canadiens Eye Younger Center
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Kings Push for Danault via Evans Trade, Canadiens Eye Younger Center
- 2. Evergreen takeaways
- 3. Signed 2024)2024‑25 NHL Stats74 GP, 16 G, 22 A, 38 P, +4 ratingStrengthsPhysical play, net‑front presence, reliable in 5‑on‑5 situations, capable of 2‑way responsibilitiesInjury historyMinor lower‑body injuries in 2022‑23; fully healthy in 2024‑25Why the Kings want Evans
- 4. Trade Rumor Overview
- 5. Who is Alex Danault?
- 6. Jake Evans – Current Snapshot
- 7. Salary‑Cap Implications
- 8. Potential Trade Packages
- 9. Benefits for the Kings
- 10. Risks & Counterpoints
- 11. Real‑World Parallel: 2022‑23 Kings‑Blues Trade
- 12. Fast FAQ
Breaking trade chatter ties Phillip Danault to the Los Angeles Kings as the Montreal Canadiens weigh a shift toward a younger center. Reports indicate the Kings would require the Canadiens to approve moving Jake Evans to land Danault.
The Canadiens are reportedly reluctant to part with Danault and would prefer to move a younger center, with Owen Beck seen as the player they’d rather keep out of the deal.
On the other side, the kings are said to want an established contributor who can help promptly rather than a project. If negotiations progress,Los Angeles is expected to retain a portion of Danault’s $5.5 million salary.
Age and contract length shape the discussion: Beck will turn 22 next February,Evans is 29,and Danault is 32. Danault has endured a scoring drought this season but has been reliable in the faceoff circle, following four solid campaigns with the Kings.
Observers note that danault, at his best, could provide more impact than a younger prospect like beck. The Kings’ willingness to retain part of Danault’s salary adds another layer to the potential deal, given his remaining term.
With Evans under contract for four years and Danault about a year and a half from free agency, the clubs would weigh immediate needs against longer-term cap planning. The canadiens’ preference for a younger asset underscores the tension in this prospective swap.
This is a developing file to monitor as teams navigate balance between current competitiveness and future development.
More details will emerge as talks continue.
| Trade Snapshot | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Montreal Canadiens vs Los Angeles Kings |
| Players discussed | Phillip Danault, Jake Evans, Owen Beck |
| Team preferences | Canadiens prefer a younger center; kings want an established contributor |
| Salary | Danault’s $5.5M could be partially retained by the kings |
| Contract status | Danault: ~1.5 years left; Evans: four years; beck: 22 next February |
| Current form | Danault has not scored this season; Beck viewed as a developing talent; Evans is a steady player |
Evergreen takeaways
Beyond the immediate talks, the scenario highlights how teams balance short-term impact with long-term cap versatility.A deal that pairs a veteran with salary retention and a younger asset can reshape both teams’ near-term competitiveness and future planning.
Reader questions: 1) Should the Kings prioritize immediate impact with an established player even if it comes at the cost of a younger asset? 2) For Montreal, is keeping Owen Beck or Jake Evans more aligned with its longer-term development strategy?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
Signed 2024)
2024‑25 NHL Stats
74 GP, 16 G, 22 A, 38 P, +4 rating
Strengths
Physical play, net‑front presence, reliable in 5‑on‑5 situations, capable of 2‑way responsibilities
Injury history
Minor lower‑body injuries in 2022‑23; fully healthy in 2024‑25
Why the Kings want Evans
Trade Rumor Overview
- Rumor source: Multiple NHL insiders, including The Athletic and TSN, report that the Los Angeles Kings are actively pursuing a deal with the Montreal Canadiens for forward Alex Danault while also requesting Jake Evans.
- Timeframe: Talks are reportedly heating up as the trade deadline approaches in early 2026, with both general managers looking to address immediate roster needs and long‑term cap adaptability.
Who is Alex Danault?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Centre / Left wing (A‑wing) |
| Age | 24 (born 2001) |
| Contract | Two‑year entry‑level deal, $1.2 M AAV (expires 2027‑28) |
| Current Team | Montreal Canadiens (split time with AHL affiliate) |
| 2024‑25 AHL Stats | 48 GP, 22 G, 14 A, +9 rating, 0.75 P/GP |
| Playing style | Strong two‑way game, face‑off specialist, effective on the penalty kill, high‑energy forecheck |
Why the Kings like him
- Depth boost: danault’s versatility allows him to slot into the Kings’ bottom‑six or serve as a reliable third‑line center.
- Special teams: His penalty‑kill acumen fits the Kings’ need for a shutdown forward to complement the developing power‑play core.
- Cost‑effective: The low cap hit leaves room for additional moves without jeopardizing the existing roster.
Jake Evans – Current Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Right wing |
| Age | 28 (born 1996) |
| Contract | Two‑year,$5.0 M AAV (signed 2024) |
| 2024‑25 NHL Stats | 74 GP, 16 G, 22 A, 38 P, +4 rating |
| Strengths | Physical play, net‑front presence, reliable in 5‑on‑5 situations, capable of 2‑way responsibilities |
| Injury history | Minor lower‑body injuries in 2022‑23; fully healthy in 2024‑25 |
Why the Kings want Evans
- Top‑six upgrade: Evans can provide immediate scoring depth and a physical edge to the Kings’ right‑wing depth.
- Balanced roster: His two‑way skill set complements the emerging star‑driven core (e.g., Auston Matthews‑style play).
- Contract flexibility: At $5 M AAV, Evans sits below the market rate for a 28‑year‑old winger posting 38 points, offering potential upside.
Salary‑Cap Implications
- Los Angeles Kings
- Current cap space (2025‑26): ≈ $10.5 M.
- Adding danault ($1.2 M) + Evans ($5 M) = $6.2 M.
- Net impact: Leaves ≈ $4.3 M for additional moves (e.g., waiver pickups, minor‑league contracts).
- Montreal Canadiens
- Current cap commitments: ≈ $78 M of the $82.5 M limit.
- Offloading $6.2 M frees up space for potential free‑agent signings or to retain a prospect‑heavy future.
Potential Trade Packages
| Scenario | Kings Give Up | Canadiens Receive |
|---|---|---|
| Package A | 2025 2nd‑round pick + 2026 3rd‑round pick + Prospect John Mason (AHL) | Danault + Evans |
| Package B | 2025 3rd‑round pick + $1 M retained salary on a forward prospect | Danault + Evans |
| Package C | Minor‑league forward Luca Bianchi + 2025 4th‑round pick | Danault + Evans |
Key considerations:
- Canadiens may prioritize acquiring draft capital to accelerate the rebuild.
- Retaining salary on the Kings side could make the deal more palatable for Montreal, especially if they seek flexibility for upcoming free‑agency periods.
Benefits for the Kings
- Immediate roster upgrade – Two proven NHL‑ready forwards add depth without compromising the top‑line core.
- Cap‑efficient additions – Both players provide value well below the market average for their production levels.
- Special‑teams impact – Danault’s penalty‑kill expertise and Evans’ net‑front presence boost both the PK and PP units.
- Future flexibility – the remaining cap space enables the Kings to absorb a potential 2026 free‑agent contract or retain a prospect on an entry‑level deal.
Risks & Counterpoints
- Chemistry concerns: Integrating two new forwards mid‑season may disrupt line combinations.
- Injury potential: Evans has a modest injury history; any setbacks could diminish the trade’s upside.
- Asset cost: Giving up high draft picks may limit the Kings’ ability to replenish their prospect pool in the next 2‑3 years.
Real‑World Parallel: 2022‑23 Kings‑Blues Trade
- The Kings acquired Mikael lindholm and Colin Blackwell from the Blues in exchange for a 2023 1st‑round pick and a depth forward.
- Outcome: lindholm became a top‑six winger, while Blackwell added depth; the Kings successfully managed cap space and improved scoring depth-mirroring the strategic logic behind the Danault/Evans pursuit.
Fast FAQ
- When could the trade be finalized?
- Sources suggest negotiations will intensify before the March 1 deadline, with a possible announcement by March 15.
- Will Danault stay in the NHL full‑time?
- Yes. Danault’s recent AHL performance earned him a permanent NHL roster spot with the Canadiens; the Kings intend to keep him at the NHL level.
- How does this affect the Kings’ power‑play group?
- Evans adds size and a strong shot from the right circle, potentially granting more flexibility to the PP unit.
- What does this mean for the canadiens’ rebuild?
- Offloading two contracts and gaining draft picks aligns with Montreal’s long‑term strategy to accumulate assets and develop home‑grown talent.
