Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee
Phaneuf stopped doing what got him to where he is. So while he's okay, he's not okay for the price he's being paid.
He was much better in his first 2-3 years in Calgary where he was very physical and intimidated the opposition. Calgary could use a big defender that hammers people right now, actually. But I wouldn't want that ego in this city, as he strikes me as a guy who thinks he's above everyone else, nor that hideous contract.
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Truth is, he was actually being sheltered in Calgary those first few years and it made him look a bit better. Phaneuf has never done well when facing top competition plus when he plays too many minutes he ends up pacing himself and not playing full out which is a death knell for a guy who was never a great skater to start with. Guy can't even do a crossover.
The other thing is injuries. Guy's mobility has sucked ever since the chronic hip problems and hasn't been the same.
Throw in the fact that he isn't a great character guy and you have what you have - a second-pairing guy whose greatest asset (his physical play) is something he doesn't utilize anymore. And he's being paid as a top d-man.
Kessel's issues are even more obvious and it's been said for years and still is true. Phaneuf and Kessel aren't terrible players. They just are the wrong players to build around.