Phillip Danault Bio
Phillip Danault is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 24, 1993, in Victoriaville, Quebec, he was drafted 26th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Danault has previously played for the Montreal Canadiens and is known for his defensive skills and two-way play.
Early Life and Background
Phillip Danault was born to Alain and Michelle Danault in Victoriaville, Quebec. His mother works as a nurse, while his father served as the public address announcer for the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Growing up in a hockey-centric environment, Danault was exposed to the sport from a young age, which laid the foundation for his future career. Danault played minor and bantam hockey with Hockey Bois-Francs, where he was named captain for his teams in various categories. He also competed in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with the Victoriaville Tigres minor ice hockey team. During the 2008–09 season, he recorded 27 points with the Trois-Rivières Estacades, helping the team qualify for the Jimmy-Ferrari Cup. Danault set new career highs during the 2010–11 season and was recognized with accolades from the QMJHL, including being named Player of the Game in the 2010 SUBWAY Super Series against Russia.
Path to Hockey
Danault was selected ninth overall by his hometown Victoriaville Tigres in the QMJHL draft, where he continued to excel. He was appointed captain of the Tigres and received the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the QMJHL’s best defensive forward after recording 23 goals and 44 assists through 64 games. Following his successful junior career, Danault was drafted in the first round, 26th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. After the draft, he participated in the Blackhawks’ training camp before rejoining the Tigres for the 2011–12 season. Danault started strong, recording 18 points in his first 19 games and finished the season with 71 points through 62 regular season games. He was reassigned to the Blackhawks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, for the remainder of their season, where he tallied two assists in seven games.
Phillip Danault Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Danault began his professional career in 2012 with the Rockford IceHogs. He recorded six goals and 20 assists in his rookie year. After participating in the 2014 Rookie Tournament, he was recalled to the NHL level due to injuries in the Blackhawks lineup. Danault made his NHL debut on November 22, 2014, against the Edmonton Oilers. He finished the regular season with 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points through 70 games. In January 2016, Danault was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, where he appeared in 21 games and recorded three goals and two assists. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Canadiens on July 5, 2016.
Breakthrough (2016–2021)
Danault’s breakthrough came during the 2018–19 season when he scored his first career NHL hat-trick in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. He finished the season with a career-high 53 points and finished seventh in votes for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defensive forwards. During the 2020–21 season, Danault distinguished himself during the Canadiens’ deep run to the Stanley Cup Final, where they were ultimately defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was credited with a strong defensive performance against other teams’ best forwards during the playoffs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Danault’s signature work includes his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run in 2021 and his performance in the 2021–22 season with the Los Angeles Kings, where he finished with a career-high 27 goals. He has been recognized with numerous team, fan, and local media honors throughout his career.
Phillip Danault Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Phillip Danault has received several nominations, particularly for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, recognizing his skills as a defensive forward.
Phillip Danault Awards Won
Phillip Danault has not yet won any major awards in his professional career but has received accolades for his performance in junior hockey and recognition for his contributions to his teams.
Phillip Danault Family
Phillip Danault is married to Marie-Pierre Fortin, with whom he tied the knot on July 21, 2018. The couple has two children together, a son and a daughter.
Personal Life
Danault maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and hockey career. He has been actively involved in community initiatives and youth hockey programs, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the sport that shaped his life.
