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Analyst suggests two potential linemates for Phillip Danault ahead of his first game
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Phillip Danault has just arrived, and his line should be clear.
Last Friday, the Montreal Canadiens brought Danault back from the Los Angeles Kings.
The 32-year-old center arrives with a $5.5 million per season contract that runs through 2026-2027, with no salary retained. This year in Los Angeles, he recorded five assists and no goals in 30 games.
Two potential linemates put forward for Phillip Danault with the Montreal Canadiens by TVA Sports journalist Anthony Martineau
Anthony Martineau put forward an idea that fits perfectly with the current moment.
On paper, Danault with Alexandre Texier and Josh Anderson is an easy combination to explain and simple to manage. You bring together three players already used in important roles, without disrupting the rest of the lines.
Martineau also explains that it could, in a way, recreate the famous (successful) line made up of Danault, Brendan Gallagher, and Tomas Tatar.
"Danault, with Josh Anderson and maybe a Texier on the left. Why do I say that? Because back then, Danault, Gallagher and Tatar were excellent. But now, kind of the new version of Gallagher from that time - I'd say Anderson is at his best right now. A guy who has hands is a guy who plays north-south. And then Texier, who is sort of the brain of that line, who has the hands to make plays. He's not a Tatar, but it's very similar in terms of profile. I think that line could be very good."
- Anthony Martineau
- Anthony Martineau
In this proposal, the number that jumps out is the total cost. Danault, Texier, and Anderson represent roughly $12 million combined this season.
When you invest that much in a single line, you want a stable identity, game after game, and you want to avoid changes between periods. Martin St-Louis doesn't need to drag out the suspense for long.
Danault arrives to stabilize the center position, and that line essentially sets itself in the lineup.
In Montreal, the simplest answer is often the right one, especially when it's already on the table.
And you, what is your opinion on this proposal?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics