The Worst is Confirmed for Philip Danault in Los Angeles
At the time of Pierre-Luc Dubois' acquisition, we discussed the possible repercussions of this addition on the Los Angeles Kings' lineup. We raised the possibility that Phillip Danault could be most affected by this arrival, with his playing time and responsibilities likely reduced.
Well, it seems that the worst-case scenario is confirming itself for the former Canadiens player, as he might be relegated to the third line of the roster.
According to a projected lineup by journalist Tracey Myers of NHL.com, Danault would find himself centering the Kings' third line, alongside Trevor Moore and Viktor Arvidsson.
It's quite ironic that number 24 wanted to leave the Canadiens to have an opportunity to play in a top 6 role, only to end up with a third-line position in Montreal.
Two seasons later, it appears that the situation he wanted to escape from with the Canadiens has caught up with him in Los Angeles.
The roster may undergo significant changes at the start of the next season, but it seems clear that the organization intends to give Dubois a center role, which would push Danault out of the top 6.
The only factor that could change the lineup is if the young Quinton Byfield fails to meet expectations for playing on the first line, and head coach Todd McLellan decides to pair PLD with Anze Kopitar to add offensive punch.
Here are the projected lines by NHL.com:
Kevin Fiala -- Pierre-Luc Dubois -- Arthur Kaliyev
Trevor Moore -- Phillip Danault -- Viktor Arvidsson
Carl Grundstrom -- Blake Lizotte -- Trevor Lewis
Mikey Anderson -- Drew Doughty
Vladislav Gavrikov -- Matt Roy
Tobias Bjornfot -- Brandt Clarke
Pheonix Copley
Cam Talbot
At 30 years old, Danault accumulated a total of 18 goals and 54 points in 82 games this season. In the previous campaign, his first with the Kings, he recorded 27 goals and 51 points in 79 games.
Credits: GoNordiques.com
| POLL | ||
Where would you put Pierre-Luc Dubois in the Los Angeles Kings' lineup? | ||
| 1st wigner | 9 | 12.9 % |
| 2nd center | 40 | 57.1 % |
| 2nd wigner | 7 | 10 % |
| 3rd center | 14 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
