NHL Rumors: $33M LA Kings star hits trade market as both sides weigh a change, per top insider

LA Kings center Phillip Danault may be heading for a change of scenery. Danault, a key part of LA’s roster since 2021, is in the fourth season of a six-year, $33 million contract. He is earning $5.5 million every year through 2026-27, making him a significant piece of the Kings’ long-term plans.

However, Danault's reduced offensive production this season has raised questions about his fit. Both the player and the organization appear to be weighing their options.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman expanded on this situation during Monday’s episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, explaining why a split may be gaining traction.

"Well, there were some reports that he [Phillip Danault] could be on the trade market," Friedman said. [38:41 onwards] "And I could see this being a case where both sides would want it to happen, both the player and the team.

"...There's only two ways to look at this, as if Father Time, who is undefeated, has finally gotten to Phillip Danault, or as if his runway in LA is over," Friedman said. "Now, the only other way this could really change is if LA just says, 'Okay, you know, we're going to jump you over Kopitar and Byfield; you're going to be one of our top two centers'. But I don't see that, at least not this year."

The LA Kings elevating Danault above Anze Kopitar or Quinton Byfield is not likely, paving the way for a potential move.

"The fact this got out, it says to me that I think the player on some level would welcome it too," Friedman said.

Danault’s play has regressed this season, and his lack of scoring has made it hard for the Kings to rely on him.

Elliotte Friedman's on Phillip Danault's season with LA Kings

Phillip Danault has five assists in 28 games this season, and Elliotte Friedman believes the Kings forward has been a shadow of what he was in previous years.

"Like the Philip I've seen over the past couple of years is a much better player than the one we've seen this year," Friedman said. "It just hasn't been good."

The LA Kings sit at 13-8-7.