Phillip Danault

Danault had one rough campaign with Montreal in 2020-21, during which he recorded five goals and 24 points in 53 contests, but aside from that, he's finished with 47-54 points in each campaign from 2018-19 through 2022-23. That overall consistency has helped make Danault a solid two-way center and a strong second-line option for LA. However, after averaging 18:14 of ice time over his last two campaigns with the Kings, he might see his role meaningfully diminish in 2023-24 because Pierre-Luc Dubois was acquired from Winnipeg and signed to an eight-year, $68 million contract over the summer. Even at the age of 36, Kopitar is the Kings' clear first-line center and now Dubois should slot in behind him, pushing Danault down to the third unit. Danault might also see his role on the power play decrease from his average of 2:04 per game in 2022-23, which would have a significant impact on him after he recorded 20 points with the man advantage last season. Despite his success in recent years, those circumstances threaten to push Danault below the 50-point mark this season.

Danault was primarily a depth option and shutdown center early in his career, but he took on an increased offensive role in his first season with the Kings and his production increased as a result. Danault's 27 goals and 194 shots on goal were both career highs, while his 51 points were his most since the 2018-19 campaign. Danault might be due some regression given his 13.9 percent shooting percentage, but he also posted just four points with the man advantage despite averaging 2:03 worth of power play time per game, so those two things should cancel each other out. It's hard to see Danault producing much more than he did a year ago, but those type of numbers make him worthy of a mid-to-late round pick in standard fantasy formats.

Advanced analytics love Danault and those guys get paid these days, as evidenced by the six-year, $33 million deal he signed with the Kings this past summer. Danault's offensive play was steady during his five-plus seasons with Montreal, but he is best known for his elite defensive play in addition to his ability to dominate in the faceoff circle. Danault has never posted more than 13 goals or 53 points in any single campaign. The key for Danult in terms of unlocking additional fantasy production is an increased role on the power play. He saw just 19 seconds per game with the man advantage with the Habs a season ago and it's nearly impossible to put up meaningful numbers with that meager power-play ice time. There's 20-goal, 50-point upside here, but that's likely about it.

Danault cemented himself as one of the league's best two-way centers in 2019-20, finishing top 10 in Selke voting for a second straight season. His 47-point performance represented the third time in four seasons he's scored at least 40 points, and his 728 faceoff wins ranked sixth in the league. Danault is much more valuable in fantasy leagues that count peripherals for that reason; no other part of his game, especially scoring, is considered elite. He will be the Habs' first option for defensive matchups, but on offense, Danault will likely take a back seat to Nick Suzuki or Jesperi Kotkaniemi, even though Danault's line with Tomas Tatar and Brendan Gallagher was considered one of the league's best at generating scoring chances last season. Danault's point totals will improve if his wingers can improve as finishers, but he's not known for his offense.

Danault established new career highs in assists (41) and points (53) last season, easily bettering the 27 and 40 he set in 2017-18. The 26-year-old was also able to show off his defensive chops, finishing seventh in the Selke Trophy voting. Danault's role as Montreal's clear-cut, top-line center has made a big impact on his fantasy value, but he still has a way to go as a scoring threat, as much of his value is currently tied up in assists. The Victoriaville native only took 132 shots in 2018-19, ranking 11th overall for the Habs -- fewer than two defensemen (Shea Weber, Jeff Petry), and two forwards (Andrew Shaw, Joel Armia) who missed time due to injury. His slick work at the circle (55.5 percent) was, however, tops among the team's forwards. Danault is expected to stick as the top-line center until prospects Nick Suzuki and/or Ryan Poehling are ready for such a high-profile role, so fantasy owners can count on him notching double-digit goals while eclipsing the 50-point mark for a second straight season in 2019-20.

Danault avoided salary arbitration by inking a three-year, $9.25 million deal to return to Montreal. He appears set to center the top line, as he did for parts of the 2017-18 season when he meshed with Max Pacioretty. Head coach Claude Julien moved Danault off the top line last year, wanting to see Jonathan Drouin develop as the No. 1 center -- the coach is still waiting. Julien shuffled his lines and Danault wound up with Pacioretty at times but the lines were in a blender all season. Danault was limited to 25 points in 52 games after a concussion sidelined him in January, followed by neck stiffness and headaches. Reports indicate Danault is feeling good heading into 2018-19, having adopted a pilates regimen and is expected to be ready for the start of camp.

Nothing about Danault’s first stint with Montreal in 2015-16 suggested he could be anything more than a useful bottom-six forward that could win faceoffs.That’s where he began last season before replacing top-line forward Alex Galchenyuk, who suffered a knee injury early in December. Danault meshed well with Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov, netting 40 points in a full 82-game season. But we're not talking about a high-end offensive talent, as Danault ranked 10th among Montreal forwards with 37 seconds of power-play ice time per game. Claude Julien will be leading the team during his first training camp as Montreal’s head coach, so there’s uncertainty for many players beyond the team’s elite stars. If Julien opts to use Alex Galchenyuk at wing, Danault could revive his role on the top line and be a useful fantasy piece by way of osmosis, skating with Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher.

Danault is targeted for his first full season at Rockford of the AHL. He spent all of last season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, but the Hawks have some hope for him as he turns 21 this February. He ranked fourth in the QMJHL in assists with 62 last season, but will need substantial time in the AHL to see if his game can translate to the pros.