Phaneuf being shopped by the Leafs

[Tinordi]

Have to think there'd be some interest up in Edmonton. They absolutely need a top minute guy like Phaneuf. What would the makings of a deal look like?

[GoJetsGo]

I loved Phaneuf when he broke into the league with us. The big shot, the highlight reel hits... but as time went by it became more and more obvious he just doesn't think the game at a high enough level. He's not terrible, but for that price tag and the minutes he's allotted, he is a detriment. He simply thinks the game like a cave man.

The Leafs aren't looking to get rid of him for any other reason than you're not going to be successful with him as one of your go-to defenders. They seem to have come to this realization too late, as they gave him huge dollars / term. The fact they're looking to move him should be a huge red flag. I don't wish ill of the guy, but it would be very fitting to have the Oilers pay a premium to get him as I think he would just be another cog in the engine that drives their ongoing futility. You can just picture the bewildered look on Dion's face as he's standing before more reporters in an Oilers dressing room trying to account for the ongoing failure there. Part of my thinks that team and he are a good fit for that reason.

[SHOGUN]

Honestly I would be fine if he comes back to Calgary only if Toronto retains some of his salary... he will make this team better for sure. I will always have a soft spot for Dion even though he can be a total bone head on the ice. His rookie days were some of the best in Flames history.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Have to think there'd be some interest up in Edmonton. They absolutely need a top minute guy like Phaneuf. What would the makings of a deal look like?

I was thinking that something like Gardiner + Dion + 8th overall for Yakupov + 3rd overall and Musil or something would make sense.

[Rifleman]

He's a faster skating, harder hitting, higher paid Canadian version of Anton Babchuk. Hard shot, horrible defensive awareness, and has only been ever good playing with two partners in his career - Vandameer and Hamrlik. He can give you points on the powerplay, assuming he can start hitting the net with his shots the way he did during his rookie season.

Someone somewhere posted that according to 'advanced' statistics, Toronto was better with him on the ice than not. I wonder how true that is?

I'd take him back for about 4M a year or less. Anything more than that becomes an anchor, especially considering it's for 7 years. I think he'd benefit teams that use him as a second pairing defenseman and a powerplay quarterback rather than a first pairing guy. Honestly I'd more look forward to seeing Elisha Cuthbert back at the 'Dome than seeing Neon Dion play for the Flames again.

[jg13]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

I was thinking that something like Gardiner + Dion + 8th overall for Yakupov + 3rd and Musil or something would make sense.

3rd round pick or 3rd overall?

I think Edmonton makes out like bandits in that trade.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by jg13

3rd round pick or 3rd overall?

I think Edmonton makes out like bandits in that trade.

3rd overall

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

He's a faster skating, harder hitting, higher paid Canadian version of Anton Babchuk. Hard shot, horrible defensive awareness, and has only been ever good playing with two partners in his career - Vandameer and Hamrlik. He can give you points on the powerplay, assuming he can start hitting the net with his shots the way he did during his rookie season.

Someone somewhere posted that according to 'advanced' statistics, Toronto was better with him on the ice than not. I wonder how true that is?

I'd take him back for about 4M a year or less. Anything more than that becomes an anchor, especially considering it's for 7 years. I think he'd benefit teams that use him as a second pairing defenseman and a powerplay quarterback rather than a first pairing guy. Honestly I'd more look forward to seeing Elisha Cuthbert back at the 'Dome than seeing Neon Dion play for the Flames again.

Hamrlik was very underrated here in Calgary. His smarts nicely complemented Dion's other skills.

[Tinordi]

Dion's knee injury really impacted his game. Prior to that he was about as dynamic of a skating defenceman I've ever seen. He's simply a shadow of his former self in that department now.

[formulate]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

Someone somewhere posted that according to 'advanced' statistics, Toronto was better with him on the ice than not. I wonder how true that is?

At even strength, the Leafs actually score more goals than they allow while Dion is on the ice. Possession-wise, they're better with him on the bench. That's pretty misleading though, as Phaneuf is given some of the toughest zone starts and competition in the league. Before Carlyle came along and started using him as a shut-down guy, he had break-even possession numbers and was still scoring at 0.5 PPG.

Clearly he's still a good player, and I believe he'd be quite effective playing second-pairing minutes against softer competition. Would I want him back on the Flames? 7 years is a long time...

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

He's a faster skating, harder hitting, higher paid Canadian version of Anton Babchuk. Hard shot, horrible defensive awareness, and has only been ever good playing with two partners in his career - Vandameer and Hamrlik. He can give you points on the powerplay, assuming he can start hitting the net with his shots the way he did during his rookie season..

That's cherry picking. Show me where Babchuk ever played remotely close to 24 minutes in a game ever let alone for an entire season? Phaneuf isn't a great defenseman but he's not a bad defenseman and he would instantly upgrade the Oilers so fans that are hoping the Oilers get him may want to be careful what they wish for.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by saXon

The only benefit I see with Dion coming back to Calgary, is for fans to be able to dust off their old Phaneuf jerseys. Maybe also to hit the cap floor a little easier.

Would love to see him in Oilers threads, and for the 3rd overall to go out east.

No chance a Sam slips to 4 if the Leafs are picking 3 unless the players going 1-2 are Ekblad and Draisaitl. I like the Flames chance if getting Reinhart or Bennett if the Oilers keep that pick

[Enoch Root]

Yakupov, Gagner and a 2nd (in 2015) for Phaneuf with $1.5m retained

Maybe the Leafs add a pick

[Northendzone]

i'll believe this when dion is actually traded.......

[Tinordi]

*braces for the inevitable posts: Stajan, Hagman and Mayers for X, Y and Z...*

[McG]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

That's cherry picking. Show me where Babchuk ever played remotely close to 24 minutes in a game ever let alone for an entire season? Phaneuf isn't a great defenseman but he's not a bad defenseman and he would instantly upgrade the Oilers so fans that are hoping the Oilers get him may want to be careful what they wish for.

I agree with EE; phaneuf, no matter what, is an upgrade on D for the oilers. I think oilers are all over this, except for the loot.

For the flames, if phaneuf's attitude is as bad as reported, then I don't think that he fits the new work effort. I wouldn't want to give up much for that luongoesque contract, and leafs would need to eat a huge chunk. I think he upgrades the flames d too, though, so tires have to be kicked.

[GettinIggyWithIt]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

No chance a Sam slips to 4 if the Leafs are picking 3 unless the players going 1-2 are Ekblad and Draisaitl. I like the Flames chance if getting Reinhart or Bennett if the Oilers keep that pick

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't think Reinhart slips to 3 anyways but Bennett certainly won't get past Toronto. The Gilmour connection would be enough for them to jump all over him.

On topic - is it just me, or has there been a Phaneuf back to Calgary rumour every year for the last 2-3 years?

[Huntingwhale]

I could see SJ taking him with Boyle getting up there in age and them needing a stud on the blueline. SJ also plays the type of system which might be able to extract more offense from him and cover his mistakes. Doug Wilson is also well known for acquiring star defensemen. With both the Leafs and Sharks needing a shakeup after disappointing seasons, I think SJ gets him.

[Tron_fdc]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

*braces for the inevitable posts: Stajan, Hagman and Mayers for X, Y and Z...*

Which just goes to show how bad the initial trade really was. If I could cobble together a similar package I'd PROBABLY bring him back.

I say probably because I'm not sure what his personality would do to the team dynamic. If he can toe the line as a team player he would be worth it, but if he comes in and takes over the music in the room F that. Go to Edmonton.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by McG

I agree with EE; phaneuf, no matter what, is an upgrade on D for the oilers. I think oilers are all over this, except for the loot.

For the flames, if phaneuf's attitude is as bad as reported, then I don't think that he fits the new work effort. I wouldn't want to give up much for that luongoesque contract, and leafs would need to eat a huge chunk. I think he upgrades the flames d too, though, so tires have to be kicked.

I don't see the Flames being in the market for his services unless Treliving really like him but with Giordano now being established as the captain I just don't see this being a good mix.