Phillip Danault: Contract, Stats, Wife, and Career Highlights

There are NHL centers who pile up points, and then there are those who quietly shut down the opposition’s best night after night. Phillip Danault belongs firmly in the second group, but his career arc — from Chicago castoff to Montreal’s shutdown specialist to a $33 million free-agent deal — tells a more surprising story.

Age: 32 (born February 24, 1993) ·
Team: Montreal Canadiens ·
Position: Center ·
Contract Length: 6 years (2018–2024) ·
Cap Hit: $5.5 million per season ·
Height / Weight: 6’1″ / 200 lbs

Nine data points, one pattern: Danault’s career markers tell a story of steady development and a specialized role as a defensive forward.

The implication: Danault’s physical profile is standard for a top‑nine center, but his on‑ice impact far exceeds the scouting sheet.

What happened to Phillip Danault?

The trade from Los Angeles Kings to Montreal Canadiens

• Danault was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 and played parts of two seasons with them before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens on February 26, 2016, for a second‑round pick (Wikipedia (player biography)).

After the trade, Danault quickly earned a top‑nine role in Montreal. By 2018‑19, he recorded a career‑high 53 points and finished seventh in Selke Trophy voting, cementing his reputation as a shutdown center (NHL.com (official stats and awards)).

Impact on his role and performance

• In Montreal, Danault became the primary matchup center against the opposition’s top line, a role he maintained until signing with the Los Angeles Kings as a free agent in 2021 (Sportsnet (free agency coverage)).

With the Kings, his offensive production climbed: he posted 27 goals in 2021‑22 and 54 points in 2022‑23 (NHL.com). He returned to Montreal in 2025‑26, playing 45 games and recording 12 points.

The pattern: Danault’s career is a case study in how the NHL increasingly rewards defensive specialists — as long as they also produce enough offense to stay in the lineup.

How long is Phillip Danault’s contract?

Contract length and terms

Danault signed a six‑year, $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 28, 2021 (Sportsnet (contract announcement)). The deal runs through the 2026‑27 season.

Annual salary and cap hit

The contract carries a $5.5 million average annual cap hit (Spotrac (salary data)). According to Puckpedia (contract tracker), the deal includes a $7.5 million signing bonus and a base salary structure that backloads slightly in later years.

The trade‑off: At $5.5 million per year, Danault is paid like a middle‑six center — a fair price for a player who suppresses goals but doesn’t lead his team in scoring.

Who is Phillip Danault’s wife?

Her name and background

Danault married Marie‑Philippe Poirier in the summer of 2018 (Wikipedia (biography)). She is from Quebec, Canada, and the couple keeps their personal life relatively private.

How they met

According to reports, the two met during Danault’s early years with the Canadiens, though specific details of their meeting have not been widely published.

The why it matters: For fans tracking a player’s stability, a long‑term marriage and family roots in Quebec suggest Danault may prioritize staying close to home when his contract expires.

Where is Phillip Danault’s wife from?

Her hometown

Marie‑Philippe Poirier is from Quebec, Canada (Wikipedia (biography)). She grew up in the same province as Danault, who was born in Victoriaville.

Cultural background

Both Danault and his wife are Francophone Canadians, a factor that influences his comfort playing in Montreal and his long‑term career decisions.

The connection: Danault’s return to Montreal in 2025‑26 reinforces the idea that family and cultural ties play a central role in his career choices.

Does Phillip Danault have kids?

Number of children

Yes, Danault has two children with his wife Marie‑Philippe (Wikipedia (biography)).

Names and ages

Specific names and ages have not been publicly confirmed. Danault has occasionally mentioned his children in interviews but keeps their identities private.

The catch: The lack of public details about his children underscores Danault’s preference for privacy — a contrast to many NHL stars who share family moments on social media.

Career statistics table

Eight key seasons, one trend: Danault’s point totals have remained remarkably consistent since 2018‑19, with a spike in 2021‑22.

Source: NHL.com (official player stats)

The pattern: Danault’s offensive output peaks when he has talented wingers, but even in a down year (2024‑25) his assist totals show he remains a reliable distributor.

“I was excited to come to a historic organization.”

Phil Danault, in an interview with the Montreal Gazette (local newspaper)

“Danault was the consensus top center available in free agency, prized for his defensive play and penalty killing.”

Sportsnet (hockey news outlet), on his 2021 signing

For Montreal Canadiens fans, the choice is clear: retain Danault as a matchup center on a short‑term extension, or watch another team pay a premium for his shutdown skills after 2027.

A detailed look at his career journey and personal life is available in Phillip Danaults biography.

Frequently asked questions

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