Quotes of the day: Danault

MONTREAL - Whether it was the time he spent with cancer-stricken kids, or his work promoting anti-bullying causes in schools, Phillip Danault has done his utmost to give back to the community - both in Montreal, and closer to home in Victoriaville. On Tuesday, the centerman was named recipient of the 2019-20 Jean Beliveau Trophy, awarded annually to the Canadiens player who best exemplifies leadership qualities in the community.
Read on for highlights from Danault's Zoom call with the media to discuss the honor and his role on the team.

On his nomination for the 2019-20 Jean Beliveau Trophy:
"I wasn't expecting it at all. It's an extraordinary trophy. Ever since I was young, I've done the most I could to make people happy and help out those in need. Our presence in the community is important. We never expect to be rewarded for it; we do it for the greater good. A trophy like the Jean Beliveau... we know that he was an incredible player, but he was an even greater person off the ice. It's truly an honor for me; it warms my heart. I have to say, however, that I didn't win this alone. My wife helps me a lot in the background; we've worked on a lot together, and that's helped me win the award. It really warms my heart; it's such an honor. I was surprised and happy."

On his and wife Marie-Pierre's decision to support the anti-bullying organization,Fondation Jasmin Roy Sophie Desmarais:
"My wife and I wanted to do something a bit different. We really like the
Canadiens Children's Foundation
, for sure. During the year, we get the chance to do a couple of things with them to give back. But we wanted to set off and do something a bit different, something that was close to our hearts. Bullying spoke to us a lot. These days, with social media, it's really intense. It's not always easy for young people - or older people - to understand it. We haven't won the battle yet either, on social media or in schools and everything. It means a lot to us and we're trying to do as much as we can."

On his source of inspiration for getting involved and giving back:
"My dad was always very present and very intense about me getting involved and doing good around me. In Junior, he was like that and it followed when I turned pro. To give back to the community, to everyone, comes naturally to me, and it feels good too. It's simply a part of me and of my nature, and that won't change."
Danault also took the opportunity to clarify comments he had made in the summer about his role on the team:
"I never said I wanted to play first line center and be the man every game. The way I view things is, the day I will want to be set on a defensive role full-time would be the day I want to stop getting better every year. Obviously, I want to get better offensively and defensively, but I want to do both. I don't want to be seated in one chair and stop getting better every year. That's what I wanted to say, in my mind."
The 27-year-old also spoke about his approach for the season as he enters a contract year:
"I'm not going to make the same mistake I made two years ago before signing my three-year contract. I was putting too much pressure on myself. I always put pressure on myself anyway, so I'm going to be the same player. I don't want to waste a year just thinking about this; I want to get better this year."
On playing for the Canadiens and the pressure that sometimes comes with it, such as the attention that was paid to his previous comments about his role:
"Things often get exaggerated. But I've followed the Canadiens since I was young. I've seen some great moments, like with Saku Koivu. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to see the Nordiques play the Canadiens in 1993. But I've always been proud. Every night when I put the sweater on, I give 100%. No excuses. I try to give as much as I can for my teammates - and for myself - so that I could be proud of myself and so others can be proud of me, too. Playing for the Canadiens is definitely a source of pride."
On playing the role of mentor to young centers Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi:
"I'd absolutely like to mentor the kids. We're going to show each other some things. I want us to help each other out a lot. I want us to win together. I really believe in those two kids, and I'm convinced that we can help each other win together. Without putting too much pressure on them, they have a lot of potential. I really like their game. They have a good attitude. It would be a pleasure for me to mentor them."
On working with a sports psychologist:
"I've been working with a sports psychologist for three years. I'm not at all afraid to say so; I want to get better every year. We all know that playing in Montreal isn't always easy, but wherever I play I'd see my sports psychologist. Every year, every summer, I come with a specific subject and we work on it, so that when we're done I have some strategies I can use to deal with the issue."