Danault denies a big rumor and reveals the real reason for his departure from Montreal

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Jeff Drouin
June 4, 2022 (10:42)

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Earlier this week, Phillip Danault was on the La Poche Bleue podcast, with Guillaume and Maxim, and it was definitely a really interesting visit.

We also had some great statements.

As you've most likely noticed (if you've listened to at least one episode of The Blue Pocket), the guys have a pretty impressive facility for making their guests comfortable and at ease.

That often gets them into interesting places.

As part of their interview with Danault, they asked the former number 24 of the Habs about the real reasons he left Montreal.

Danault revealed a surprising piece of information about Marc Bergevin (who ironically is now with the Kings as well): the contract offer he made him when he was GM of the CH was far from Danault's demands, and far from what has been publicly rumored.

Contrary to what some were saying, the offer from the Montreal Canadiens (and Marc Bergevin) was not even close to the caliber of the one he accepted with the Los Angeles Kings.

Seriously, it was really tough. Plus during the Covid we couldn't do anything. We couldn't go out and I couldn't get my mind off of it. [...] I really wanted to honor my last season and I had refused the Canadiens' offer in the summer because we didn't meet. I wanted 5.5 million and it didn't come to that, it wasn't even close. It wasn't close enough and it wasn't just that, it was also respect. But at the end of the day it's a business and I don't blame anyone."

On top of all that, the Kings were offering him his long-awaited offensive role so we know the rest. (he agreed to a 6 year / 5.5 million per season contract)

In the end, the Quebecer scored 27 goals (51 total points) in 79 games in his first season with the Kings.

For the complete episode: