Looking at an Underrated Canadiens Player from 5 Seasons Ago

Back in 2021, Nathan MacKinnon didn’t offer the usual gold-star name when asked about the league’s most underrated player. Instead, he called out Phillip Danault, saying the Montreal Canadiens centre is “hard to get space on… good vs everybody, not just me.”

At the time, that was high praise: MacKinnon is that type of voice in the NHL whose words carry weight. Giving Danault that acknowledgement was a marker. It wasn’t because he was flashy, not production-driven, but respect for the quieter and more defensively productive game.

So fast-forward to now. Danault’s journey has taken some noticeable turns. He’s made a change of team, a change of roles, and the steady carving out of a reliable veteran presence. Let’s take a look at this former Canadiens player and break down his success.

Note One: Danault Moved From a Steady Producer to a Veteran Two-Way Force

When MacKinnon called him underrated, Danault was already known for his defensive game and reliable two-way centering. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he’d posted a respectable 50 + point season (in 2018-19: 12 goals, 41 assists) and earned a reputation for being tough to match up against. But his value was always more than his raw numbers.
Today, his ice time, matchup responsibilities, and veteran status speak to a player who no longer needs to prove the “underrated” label. He’s established. He’s the kind of centre you dig into battle when the game matters.

Note Two: Danault Has Changed Locations and Changed Roles

Danault moved from the Canadiens to the Los Angeles Kings (signed in 2021) and has adapted to a slightly different role. Gone are some of the expectations of younger players climbing the ladder; instead comes the steadying hand, the mentor-presence. While his offensive peaks might not match star centres, his value shows in less glamorous but critical ways: face-offs, PK minutes, shutting down other teams’ top lines.

If the spotlight dimmed a little, it didn’t fade entirely: sometimes being quietly dependable beats being loudly inconsistent.

Note Three: Danault’s “Underrated” Label: Has It Stuck or Slipped?

Here’s the twist: praise from MacKinnon in 2021 helped shine a light on Danault’s value. But five years later, does the “underrated” tag still apply? Maybe not. He’s earned recognition among insiders, but mainstream conversation still gravitates toward point-producing stars.

In a league that loves raw offensive numbers, players like Danault risk being overlooked by the masses, even when opponents absolutely don’t. So yes — MacKinnon was right. And yes — Danault has lived up to much of that praise. But the “underrated” badge might now be more symbolic than accurate.

The Bottom Line for Danault as a Valuable Player

When MacKinnon singled out Danault, he gave him notice. Over the five seasons since, Danault has worked on his game, shifted roles, and become exactly the kind of veteran pivot a team leans on in tight games. The offensive flash isn’t his headline anymore (if it ever was). Instead, it’s the quiet consistency, the smart positioning, the defence and structure he brings.

For the “where are they now” file: Danault isn’t merely the underrated player anymore — he’s the trusted one. MacKinnon was paying attention. You can bet that other teams that play the Los Angeles Kings are.