On July 28, Phillip Danault opted for California because of, among other things, a six-year, $33 million deal. Since the little friction last fall between the Danault clan and the Montreal Canadiens, we felt that the relationship was on the rocks. When Danault was asked about it, you could tell something was bothering him.
In short, he left the Montreal organization, he chose a new environment and some Quebecers were sometimes too critical of him. In fact, former Canadiens goalie coach Stéphane Waite was a bit virulent, but honest, towards the former number 24.
"But at the end of the day, a guy who is capable of countering the opponent, you're able to get him for a million... For two million... And for three million, maximum. I love Phillip, but when I saw his salary demands, I thought, he sees himself a lot bigger than he is. Phillip, if you want to win the Stanley Cup, he's your third center. And you don't pay a third-line center $5.5 million, that's way too much. I love the guy, but let's be realistic," said Waite.
Right on target, Stéphane! I also love Phillip Danault, but, granted, he's a very high quality 3rd center on a roster that's aiming for the bigs. A 3rd center at $5.5 million a year is a lot of money. Then the rest of the pie is smaller for the others. In hindsight, I prefer a Jake Evans at $750,000...
Waite loves Danault as a player and as a human being, as do many fans who have identified with him. He is a valiant warrior, impeccable defensively, wins crucial face-offs and runs out the minutes when down. He has good qualities, very good ones, but his offensive skills are not as refined as a Christian Dvorak, for example. That's it!
