The Canadiens did not see fit to protect Phillip Danault, who will also become an uncompensated free agent on July 28. Given Danault's uncertainty about his future with the Tricolore, Marc Bergevin must have wanted to send a message to the Quebec forward. Number 24 has not made any clear gestures regarding his loyalty to the Habs. He refused a contract extension offer last season, which clearly put a chill between the two parties. He has often expressed his desire to stay in Montreal, but not at any price, obviously...
He is likely testing the autonomous market to hopefully increase his value. It would be a shame to lose Danault with nothing in return, especially since he would be the last Quebecer playing with the big club, if we exclude Jonathan Drouin.
