Would the Montreal Canadiens dare let Phillip Danault get to free agency? Would they trade him instead, rather than losing him for nothing? Yes, I understand the blood pressure of Habs fans just elevated, but let’s investigate further.
NHL Rumors: It’s better to trade Danault than sign him? Or let him walk?
Arpon Basu at The Athletic makes the argument that Danault may not be worth the salary he will command. There are many factors to consider but Arpon feels the move for the Montreal Canadiens would be a wait and see approach.
Considering how much of that cap space was used up in this highly active Canadiens offseason, allowing Danault to play out his contract and then decide what to do is probably the most judicious way of managing that asset.