The One That Got Away: Philip Danault

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Jared
November 6, 2022 (7:57 PM)

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Phillip Danault was a first-round draft pick by the Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Danault debuted in Chicago during the 2014-15 season, only skating in two games. The next season, Danault skated in 30 games, tallying 5 points before being traded to Montreal. Danault was traded along with a 2018 2nd round draft pick to Montreal in exchange for Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann. Stan Bowman had decided to go for it all with the trade of Danault, who figured to be a big piece to the puzzle for the future. Let's take a deeper look at this trade and how Danault is doing today.

Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann were brought in to add depth to the Blackhawks for their 2016 playoff run. Weise only played in 4 games in the 7-game series against the Blues, registering one goal. Fleischmann also only skated in 4 games during the series and failed to register a point. Both players only played half a season in Chicago before moving on.

Phillip Danault has blossomed into an above average center, which the Blackhawks could really use more of. In his 7 seasons since leaving Chicago, Danault has tallied 245 points. He has also come into his own in the faceoff circle, posting a very respectable 53.20%-win percentage. Danault also has 14 career playoff points to his name in 45 games. Danault is only 29 years old, which would have left him in perfect position to be a piece to this Blackhawks rebuild. The Blackhawks could have benefitted greatly from keeping Danault around. With his defensive skill, strong faceoff numbers, gritty play, and great passing ability, Danualt could have slid up and down the lineup as needed and produced.

Although Stan Bowman was trying to win another cup with this move, it looks worse today than it did 6 years ago when the trade happened. Many people in the organization were really optimistic on the talent Danault had and were confused with the decision to let him and a draft pick go for two depth forwards who only suited up for 4 out of 7 games during the playoffs. This trade should have never happened. The Blackhawks gave up on Danault entirely way too soon and are currently stuck paying for Bowman's sins. What do you guys think? Should Danault have been given a better look in Chicago?