Pierre LeBrun dropped the bomb this week: The Los Angeles Kings are officially taking calls on Phillip Danault. For Kings fans, this feels like the other shoe finally dropping on a season where the veteran center has struggled to find the scoresheet. But here is the critical takeaway that separates this rumor from standard deadline noise—the Utah Mammoth aren’t just interested; they are the perfect trade partner.
If you read between the lines of LeBrun’s report, the Kings aren’t looking to rebuild. They want a “hockey trade.” They want immediate help. With Logan Cooley out until February, Utah is desperate for stability down the middle. This trade writes itself, but only if the Kings demand one specific name in return: Nick Schmaltz.
Why Nick Schmaltz is the Only Return That Make Sense for Ken Holland
I’ve been analyzing NHL trade markets for years, and pure “hockey trades” are becoming an endangered species because the salary cap usually kills them before they start. This scenario is the unicorn exception.
Phillip Danault carries a $5.5 million AAV through 2027. Nick Schmaltz sits at $5.85 million through 2026. The money is virtually a wash. There is no need for a third-party broker, no need for salary retention gymnastics, and no need to attach sweeteners. It is a clean swap that solves the biggest headache for both GMs.
From my perspective, this is a no-brainer for Los Angeles. The Kings are defensively sound but offensively anemic in the middle six. Danault has zero goals in 30 games; his confidence looks shot. Schmaltz is the antithesis of that. He is a playmaker who creates offense out of nothing. By acquiring Schmaltz, the Kings get a flexible forward who can slot in at 2RW to load up a scoring line or play center if needed. He brings the creativity and finishing touch that LA is desperately starving for right now.
Why Utah Says Yes
You might ask, why would Utah move a 50-point producer? It comes down to roster construction and culture. The Mammoth are building around the kids—Cooley, Guenther, Keller. They don’t need Schmaltz to lead them; they need a veteran who can eat the hard defensive minutes so the kids can run wild offensively.
Danault provides that defensive blanket. He stabilizes the spine of the team while Cooley heals, and when Cooley returns, Danault creates arguably the best defensive third line in the Western Conference. If Ken Holland settles for a project player like Barrett Hayton or a grinder like Lawson Crouse, he’s failed. But if he lands Schmaltz? He’s reloaded the Kings for a playoff run.
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