Chicago Blackhawks: Phillip Danault Is Here To Stay

Yes! Phillip Danault screamed after scoring the game-winning goal against the Buffalo Sabres. It was Danault’s first NHL goal and a statement to the Chicago Blackhawks that he had finally arrived.

Danault was a first-round pick of the Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL entry draft. He was chosen 26th by the Blackhawks. After playing in Rockford from 2012-13 to 2014-15, Danault got his audition with the Blackhawks. He was recalled for two games last season, recording zero points. He spent the rest of the 2014-15 season down in Rockford.

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After last season in Rockford, Danault was a favorite to make the Blackhawks out of training camp, but hip surgery would end that chance. Danault had hip surgery on April 17 to repair a torn labrum, and he was expected to miss four months. While Danault was recovering, the Blackhawks recalled forwards Tanner Kero, Vincent Hinostroza, Brandon Mashinter, Kyle Baun, and Dennis Rasmussen to fill holes. It looks as if Danault had missed his chance to play in Chicago this season, then Marcus Kruger hurt his wrist. Danault was recalled to the Blackhawks after only appearing in six games with the Rockford IceHogs. In his six games with Rockford had made an immediate impact, scoring one goal and one assist.

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Danault has now been with the Blackhawks for 10 games and moved his way up from centering the fourth line to centering the third line. Last night, coach Joel Quenneville praised his play and the third line’s play.

Despite it only being 10 games, Danault appears to be here to stay. Danault gives the Blackhawks balance and gives the Blackhawks A+ offensive opportunities from the third line. Some Blackhawks fans are already projecting playoff lines with Danault in them. There should be some hesitation because we have seen so many players come up from Rockford this season.

Some Blackhawks have been so impressed by Danault’s play that they are already running Kruger out of town next season.

The best possible scenario this season is that Danault continues to play well along with the third line. When Kruger returns, he joins the fourth line. With Danault centering the third line and Kruger the fourth line, the Blackhawks will hopefully be able to roll four lines. That has been a key to the Blackhawks’ playoff success during this era: They have the ability to roll four line against teams in the playoffs.

With Danault in the fold, the future looks bright for the Blackhawks.