Phillip Danault C LA Sun 3/11/18 9:48 AM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault was struck in the face by a stick late in the second period and did not return for the third period of Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to Tampa Bay, Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette reports. He finished with one hit and one blocked shot over 13:40 of ice time.
EDGE Analysis
Danault had been made available at game time Saturday after he missed Thursday's game against Florida with a stiff neck. We'll need to ferret out details of the injury, so at this time Danault should be considered questionable for Monday's game in Columbus until we learn more.
Phillip Danault C LA Sat 3/10/18 12:51 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault (head) was on the ice for warmups ahead of Saturday's game against the Lightning, Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic Montreal reports. As a result, it appears that he will play.
EDGE Analysis
Danault missed Thursday's game against the Panthers, but his taking warmups is a strong indication that he'll return to action for the matinee. Originally Chicago's first-round (26th overall) draft pick in 2011, Danault has produced 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) through 51 games this season. He does have a power-play role, albeit generating only two assists in that special teams spot.
Phillip Danault C LA Fri 3/9/18 3:39 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault (head) will be a game-day decision for Saturday's matchup with Tampa Bay.
EDGE Analysis
Danault was reportedly feeling better Friday, but a final determination on his status for Saturday's contest likely won't be made until after Montreal's morning skate. The 25-year-old pivot has already dealt with a head injury this season, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Canadiens hold him out against the Lightning as a precautionary measure.
Phillip Danault C LA Thu 3/8/18 5:32 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault is out Thursday against the Panthers. He woke up with neck stiffness leading to headaches.
EDGE Analysis
Claude Julien said that the team didn't want to take any chances given Danault's injury history. The Canadiens will have to shift their lineup around now, which could be tricky given that Charles Hudon is also day-to-day. Danault's next chance to return will be Saturday against the Lightning.
Phillip Danault C LA Fri 2/23/18 8:29 AM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault scored a goal, had four shots and finished plus-2 over 16:12 of ice time in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Rangers.
EDGE Analysis
Danault's empty-netter put the final touch on Montreal's first win in seven games. It was the 24-year-old's second game back from a concussion that cost him 15 games.
Phillip Danault C LA Wed 2/21/18 7:38 AM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault had one shot, three blocked shots and a two-minute minor penalty over 15:05 of ice time in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Philadelphia.
EDGE Analysis
Danault, who returned to action after he missed 15 games due to a concussion, played nearly two minutes fewer than his season average (16:43 TOI) while on a line with Alex Galchenyuk and Charles Hudon. Prior to his injury, Danault typically skated on a line with Max Pacioretty, but he'll need to get comfortable with new mates if the Canadiens move Max Pacioretty at the trade deadline next week as expected.
Phillip Danault C LA Tue 2/20/18 12:41 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault completed concussion protocol and will return to action against the Flyers on Tuesday, Arpon Basu of The Athletic Montreal reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Quebec native's activation should raise some eyebrows in the fantasy realm, as Danault is a quality two-way center who's gradually seen an uptick in offensive-zone shifts as he gains more experience. Seven goals and 16 assists make up his point total through 42 games, plus he's driven in a pair of game-winning tallies as well as one shorthanded.
Phillip Danault C LA Mon 2/19/18 1:59 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault (concussion) could return to game action Tuesday against Philadelphia.
EDGE Analysis
While Danault is still a question mark for Tuesday, he's certainly well-positioned to make his way into the lineup for the first time since Jan. 13. At Monday's practice, Danault centered the team's third line and lead the end-of-practice stretches for his teammates -- in addition to having already passed concussion protocol Wednesday. Tuesday's morning skate will provide more insight to Danault's chances of playing against the Flyers, though all signs are positive at the moment.
Phillip Danault C LA Sat 2/17/18 5:11 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault (concussion) will not return to the lineup Saturday against the Golden Knights.
EDGE Analysis
Danault has reportedly cleared the concussion protocol and has been cleared for contact, but he's yet to receive the green light to rejoin game action. With the 24-year-old pivot still unavailable and Nicolas Deslauriers (undisclosed) a game-time call, the Canadiens could be down to 12 healthy forwards for Saturday's game against Las Vegas.
Phillip Danault C LA Wed 2/14/18 2:14 PM
Phillip Danault
C LA
Danault (concussion) has passed the NHL's concussion protocol and has been cleared for contact, but coach Claude Julien will keep him out of the lineup for additional rest Wednesday against the Avalanche, Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gaette reports.
EDGE Analysis
Danault appears on the cusp of a return and could have even done so Wednesday if called upon, but the 24-year-old winger will enjoy another night of rest at a minimum. The fact that he's on the road trip suggests he should return at some point during the four-game span. However, the team would need to activate Danault from injured reserve prior to him retaking the ice in game action.