Kings GM Ken Holland reveals the main reason behind Phillip Danault's trade to Montreal

It was rather the internal evolution of the Los Angeles Kings that forced the decision.

In recent months, Danault's role had gradually diminished. The center no longer held the same status he once had during his best seasons in California, despite still producing respectable numbers.

The rise of Quinton Byfield changed the balance in the locker room. Alex Laferriere also complicated matters, as he apparently can replace Danault at center, according to their general manager.

In this context, Danault became an expensive luxury. His annual salary of 5.5 million limited the Kings' cap flexibility, especially with several young players pushing for more important roles.

Internally, the message was clear. The defensive responsibilities once entrusted to Danault could now be shared. Byfield was taking on more difficult assignments, while Laferriere was gaining the staff's trust.

Management did not trade Danault because he could no longer deliver. They traded Danault because others proved they could take over, at a lower cost and with better long-term projection.

This is exactly what happened in the Kings' locker room; the evolution of the players there led to last night's trade. Getting a second-round pick for a player with a significant contract aligned with asset-management logic. Los Angeles frees up space and invests in the future.

From the Canadiens' perspective, the timing was perfect. Montreal acquires an established center still capable of playing 82 games.

It is not a locker-room conflict story. It is a story of a hierarchy that changed. And when a hierarchy changes, decisions follow.