Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRed
I was using a Reggie-ism, but at the same time, I really don't think Phaneuf is any better than average.
I think being paired with a savvy vet like Hamrlik really allowed Phaneuf to blossom, but losing him and then getting traded -- for what appeared to be peanuts, but what has actually proved to be a fair return -- really exposed his shortcomings.
He's not a competitor except on offense, he makes poor decisions and has the hockey sense of a lamp post (or Taylor Hall, take your pick). Phaneuf, since being moved, has proven to be a decent complimentary to a solid, well-rounded D man like Hamrlik, but a failure at being a top or lead D man himself. On top of that, he's lazy and entitled.
There is no-one in the Flames current top 5 (Gio, Brodie, Russell, Hamilton, Wideman) I would trade for Phaneuf straight up, and that's even without salary considerations. Frankly, I'd maybe even rather have Engelland.
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I'm assuming most of this pure hyperbole, but could you imagine having Phaneuf as out 6th d-man for the price of 3 million or whatever Engelland makes. Wow that would look nice.
Phaneuf with > 20 minutes a night against top competition= not so good.
Phaneuf with < 15 minutes a night against lesser competition= very nice.
I think he will bounce back somewhat under Babcock as well.