[T@T]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

It was because it was at a time when most 2nd contract players got a bridge contract. Instead we just handed Phaneuf a long term deal with insane dollars.

Along with Rick Nash it was one of the first few large 2nd contracts in an era where that wasn't the norm. It was a bad choice by Sutter.

Yup and it went right to Phanuefs head, after that contract he thought he was c.ock of the walk and refused to listen to coaches and teammates alike.

Had Sutter bridged this guy it's quite possible he would not only be better but probably still a flame.