The NHL’s holiday roster freeze officially kicked in at midnight on December 20, putting a temporary stop to most roster moves until December 28. As is often the case before the freeze, a few teams moved quickly to get deals done at the last moment, using the narrow window to adjust their rosters or create flexibility before everything was locked in.
Two key trades stood out on the final day before the freeze. Center Phillip Danault was sent back to a familiar home in Montreal, while Mason Marchment changed conferences with a move to Columbus.
With rosters now frozen for the holidays, these moves will be the last changes fans see until NHL business resumes later in the month.
Phillip Danault Returns to Montreal
Phillip Danault (Image Credits: Imagn)
Former Canadiens forward Phillip Danault is heading back to Montreal after a sluggish start to the season. The Los Angeles Kings picked up a second-round draft pick in the deal while also freeing up salary cap space.
Phillip Danault is on his way back to Montreal! 👀
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— NHL (@NHL) December 20, 2025Scroll to continue reading
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Danault had spent six seasons with the Canadiens, scoring 54 goals and 194 points in 360 games. He was a key part of Montreal’s run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final before his move to LA.
The veteran signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the Kings in 2021. The 32-year-old has five assists in 30 games this season and missed the past four games due to illness.
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Kings general manager Ken Holland explained that Danault’s role had changed this season, making the move a logical one.
“Phil’s role changed here, got reduced on the penalty killing and on the power play. It’s been a bit of a struggle here offensively for Phil since the start of the year,” Holland said.
Mason Marchment Heads to Columbus
Mason Marchment (Image Credits: Imagn)
The other key deal just before the freeze saw the Columbus Blue Jackets acquire forward Mason Marchment from the Seattle Kraken. In return, Seattle received a 2027 second-round pick from Columbus and a 2026 fourth-round pick from the New York Rangers.
The @BlueJacketsNHL he made a trade for Mason Marchment! 💪
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— NHL (@NHL) December 20, 2025Marchment has played 29 games this season, recording four goals and nine assists for 13 points. Across his NHL career, he has produced 80 goals and 122 assists for 202 points in 331 games with the Maple Leafs, Panthers, Stars, and Kraken.
Marchment now joins a Columbus team that sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 14-14-6 record. The move adds experience and depth as Columbus looks to steady things after a poor first half.