CHICAGO, IL â SEPTEMBER 15: Phillip Danault #24 of the Chicago Blackhawks poses for his official headshot for the 2011-2012 season on September 15, 2011 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Phillip Danault

Observations:

March 2016 – Since being acquired from Chicago, Philip Danault has been a pleasant surprise for the Canadiens. He has been a fixture on the third line, showing off his great speed and hustle. The Habs are playing for 2016-17, and it looks as if Danault is winning his audition to be the new shutdown man in town. He and Paul Byron provide a ton of speed and defensive presence, but won't light up the scoresheet. Double-digit goals next year would be a very nice jump for the 23-year-old. Mike Barrett

February 2016 – The Blackhawks dealt Danault and a 2018 second-round draft pick two days before the NHL trade deadline to the Montreal Canadiens for forwards Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann. Danault has a goal and four assists this season in 30 games for Chicago, adding a goal and an assist in six games for the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Mark Allan

January 2016 – After developing his game with Rockford for the last two seasons, it appears that the former first rounder from 2011 has finally found a home centering the Blackhawks' third line. After a delayed start to his season due to offseason shoulder surgery, he was summoned from the minors back in December to replace the injured Marcus Kruger. He has filled in admirably since then, averaging 13 minutes per night over his last 10 games, and even getting some time on the penalty kill. While the offensive numbers aren't there just yet for Danault, the important thing is that he has gained the trust of Coach Quenneville with his defensive play and prowess in the faceoff circle. With Kruger out for the remainder of the regular season, expect Danault to remain in his role with the Blackhawks for the forseeable future. Matt Donohue

May 2015 – Danault finished the 2014-15 season with 13 goals and 38 points in 70 regular season games for the Rockford Ice Hogs. While he improved upon his rookie season numbers of a year ago, he faded badly down the stretch, notching just five points in 15 games to close out the season. Still, he was able to turn it around in the playoffs, scoring three goals and adding two assists in eight games and led the team with a plus-8 rating. Danault should get a shot to make an impact at the NHL level at some point next year, but he is expected to serve in a bottom-six role to start, so we may be waiting a couple years before he comes relevant in fantasy. Matt Donohue 

November 2014 – After putting up ten points in 14 games to start the 2014-15 season, Danault was called up to Chicago in light of a rash of injuries with the big club. He averaged9:30TOI in his two games with the Blackhawks before being sent back down to Rockford. The Blackhawks have already said that they hope he develops into a bottom six-type forward. While a checking role isn’t the best for Danault’s fantasy outlook, if it gets him on a fast track to regular ice time in the NHL, anything can happen. Keep an eye on him if he gets recalled again this season.Matt Donohue

September 2013- Danault was sent down to Rockford in the next-to-last round of cuts. His stock has really been on the rise over the last year following his 85 point swan song in the QMJHL. The time has come to see what he can do at the pro level. Rex Doty

February 2013 – Phillip Danault was named the QMJHL Second Star of the Week (ending February 24th) after potting three goals and eight points in three games. Danault has been a welcomed addition to the Moncton Wildcats, contenders in the QMJHL, especially with his versatile play in all three zones of the rink. Danault is among the QMJHL leaders in faceoffs with a remarkable 69% efficiency rate. Brendan Ross

January 2013- The Chicago draft pick was recently traded to the Wildcats in preparation for a hopeful long playoff run. The hardworking centre played a shutdown role for Canada at the World Juniors and has picked up right where he left off since his return to the QMJHL with 5 points in his first two games. Derek LeBlanc

December 2012 – Danault was one of 21 forwards invited to take part in Canada's National Junior Selection camp for the 2013 World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia.  The two-way forward stands a very good chance at cracking the Canadian lineup with his astute attention to detail at both ends of the rink making him a likely candidate for the third or fourth line centre position.  Brendan Ross

October, 2012- Phillip Danault is off to a hot start to the 2012-13 season, potting 11 goals and 20 points in 11 games. Eric Daoust

March, 2012 – Danault is the reigning defensive forward of the year and is on pace for another point a game season in the QMJHL. He is the captain of his Victoriaville team and has all the intangibles to become an NHL player. His coach raves about his passion and sees a future NHL captain. He’s a complete player who is extremely strong on the puck and excels in big games. He will have to rise up Chicago’s depth chart so it could be a while before he has an impact.

Fantasy Outlook: C

Has two seasons of modest offensive numbers in the AHL but his real strength is his checking. Should get an extended look in training camp for a bottom-six role with the Hawks.

Footage:

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Phillip Danault Compilation:

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