It may not have been about when Phaneuf could sign, but when he would have been eligible to play. The Red Deer Rebels went deep in the playoffs that year: Phaneuf played 19 postseason games for them. They weren't eliminated until April 25, by which the Flames were well into their second-round series against the Red Wings.
I don't remember ever hearing of a junior player being signed during the NHL playoffs and playing immediately. I hope someone more knowledgeable can tell us if it's specifically against the rules.
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