Phillip Danault

Phillip Danault (born February 24, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 26th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks of the 2011 NHL entry draft. Danault has also previously played for the Los Angeles Kings. Danault was born on February 24, 1993, in Victoriaville, Quebec, to parents Alain and Michelle. His mother works as a nurse while his father previously served as the public address announcer for the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Danault played minor hockey with Hockey Bois-Francs and was named captain for his team across various age groups. Joining the Trois-Rivières Estacades of the Ligue de hockey Midget AAA du Québec (QMAAA) for the 2008–09 season, Danault provided offensive prowess to help his team reach the final of that year's Jimmy-Ferrari Cup. Thereafter, he was selected ninth overall by his hometown Victoriaville Tigres in the annual Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft. Establishing new career-highs for production during the 2010–11 QMJHL season, Danault was recognized for his efforts with a number of league accolades. He was named Player of the Game during the 2010 Subway Super Series against the Russian juniors and was selected to represent Team Cherry at the 2011 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game In January 2011, Danault ranked 23rd amongst North American skaters for the upcoming NHL entry draft as determined by the league's Central Scouting Bureau.