Overview
- The deal sent Danault to Montreal for Columbus’s 2026 second-round pick with no salary retained, creating over $9 million in cap space per reporting.
- Elliotte Friedman described the breakup as not pretty with hard feelings on both sides and said the situation became too distracting, accelerating the move.
- David Pagnotta reported that Carolina, Dallas, Washington and New Jersey explored Danault, with Montreal involved from the outset before finalizing the reunion.
- Carolina’s proposal that included Jesperi Kotkaniemi was declined by Los Angeles due to concerns about contract term, multiple reports said.
- Danault, 32, had 0 goals and 5 points in 30 games while averaging 16:19, with one year left at a $5.5 million AAV, as the Kings elevate Alex Turcotte and pursue scoring help.