Phillip Danault's agent launches scathing attack on Habs reporter for claiming forward has demanded trade from LA Kings

Montreal-based hockey reporter Marco D’Amico reported that Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault had requested a trade from the team.

He cited sources indicating Danault’s camp preferred a deal sooner rather than later, while the Kings sought a player-for-player swap in return. D’Amico noted interest from teams including the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Carolina Hurricanes.

"Sources indicate that Phil Danault has asked for a tradein LA. His camp hopes a deal gets done sooner than later; prior to the Trade Freeze. Kings are willing to wait it out, looking for a player-for-player trade. MTL, NJD and CAR are some of the teams to kicked tires there," D'Amico posted on X.

In response, Phillip Danault’s agent, Allan Walsh, criticized D’Amico on X (formerly called Twitter), calling the reporting “shameful attention seeking” and noting that the reporter had not contacted him for confirmation.

"You never bothered to check with me. Shameful attention seeking reporting. #NotAnInsider," Walsh wrote.

Allan Walsh🏒

@walsha

You never bothered to check with me. Shameful attention seeking reporting. #NotAnInsider

Though Walsh did not outright deny the trade request itself, he focused on the lack of diligence in sourcing the story. Danault is currently signed to a six-year, $33 million contract, making him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season.

How has Phillip Danault fared this season?

NHL: NOV 20 Kings at Sharks - Source: Getty

Phillip Danault has struggled offensively this season, scoring zero goals and five assists in 30 games. There has been trade speculation since early December, with the Kings exploring options for the 32-year-old, who carries a $5.5M cap hit through next season.

A reunion with Montreal has been a popular rumor due to his history there and the Habs’ need for center depth. Drafted No. 26 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Draft, Phillip Danault is in his 12th season in the league.

He has been with the Kings for the last five seasons while also spending six seasons with the Canadiens and two with the Blackhawks. The 32-year-old veteran has accumulated 399 career points through 125 goals and 274 assists in 741 games.