Phaneuf is the captain of the Leafs, the Leafs' #1 defenseman, and despite his flaws is a defenseman who can anchor a defensive pairing or be the featured defenseman in a top 4 pairing. The prevailing philosophy seems to be that it's not easy replacing a capable top 4 defenseman, and cap room permitting, it's better to re-sign a guy who has proven to be a good fit than to let them hit the market.
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