- TheNugeIsHuge

Yes.

EDIT: Why does this not make me sad...???
- lumlums

:D

As much as everyone sh**s on Dion he is better than Boychuck. Also, I wasn't saying Boychuk isn't good, he's just not some all star like people have made him out to be since he was traded.
- GOLEAFS71

He's a better puck handler than JB. That's where it ends.

Phaneuf is a better offensive player, for sure. I think I'd rather have Boychuk in my lineup, though. He's a solid defenseman, and he seems like a loyal sort, and good in the room. Not saying Phaneuf isn't any of those things, but with Boychuk, I could tell from the things he said day one that he expects to have a responsibility for us, and he welcomes it. He's a keeper, and I hope they write that check.
- dcb1

If your not including the $, there not even comparable players imo

How exactly are you more impartial? Because I think a leafs player is better because his stats have been better every year of his career? I also think Boychuk isn't even the best defenceman on his current team. Hamonic is/will be.
- GOLEAFS71

Hamonic is not, if healthy and stays in line-up, DeHaan will be at a quicker pace than Hammer and is easily now.

U have a valid argument between Boychuk vs Phaneuf, but have to keep in mind that Phaneuf has always played as a top 2 Dman bc either of his current or past teams didn't have better D (exception of Calgary which had JBO)
Boychuk was always playing second pairing D bc of Bostons depth, so now he's playing top 2 on isles and seeing more production.

And not trying to be a homer but w/style of play I might choose Jonny O over Dion bc Jonny is much better defensively and that's the difference for me.

He's a better puck handler than JB. That's where it ends.
- gforce

Homer glasses much?


How can a guy go from most overrated player in the leaguez and 3 years later be one of the most underappreciated players in the league?

Dion Phaneuf is far and a way a better player than boychuck. It is not close. There is NOTHING boychuck does better

As much as everyone sh**s on Dion he is better than Boychuck. Also, I wasn't saying Boychuk isn't good, he's just not some all star like people have made him out to be since he was traded.
- GOLEAFS71

I don't think anyone thinks he's an all star(though if he keeps playing like this he may be)but I find it funny how Boston fans disagree with you and the vast majority(everyone that u heard discuss at least)think they were robbed in the trade.

Hamonic is not, if healthy and stays in line-up, DeHaan will be at a quicker pace than Hammer and is easily now.

U have a valid argument between Boychuk vs Phaneuf, but have to keep in mind that Phaneuf has always played as a top 2 Dman bc either of his current or past teams didn't have better D (exception of Calgary which had JBO)
Boychuk was always playing second pairing D bc of Bostons depth, so now he's playing top 2 on isles and seeing more production.

And not trying to be a homer but w/style of play I might choose Jonny O over Dion bc Jonny is much better defensively and that's the difference for me.
- Ur Not Me

Let boychuck continually go out against top lines from every team, and get 30%ozone starts all season, we can come back to this after you watch him play 70gms

Are you related to Johnny or something? Cause I'm pretty sure anyone who doesn't just hate the leafs would admit that Phaneuf would be the better option.
- GOLEAFS71

Not really. I like dion but I'd take boychuck over him and I'm not saying that Bcs he's on my team. I wouldn't trade him straight up for dion the way he's been playing.

Let boychuck continually go out against top lines from every team, and get 30%ozone starts all season, we can come back to this after you watch him play 70gms
- tweaver3312

Ok. I'll put it in my calander.

Phaneuf must welcome responsibility too resigning a 7 year deal to be the captain of the leafs and all. Boychuk is good but the people who put him as high up as Phaneuf just hate on Dion. I get it too. Not the biggest Dion fan but I know what he is and it's a hell of a lot better than people give him credit for.
- GOLEAFS71

I actually wanted dion when the rumors were swirling I just think boychuck is a better fit and never thought we'd get him.

Homer glasses much?


How can a guy go from most overrated player in the leaguez and 3 years later be one of the most underappreciated players in the league?

Dion Phaneuf is far and a way a better player than boychuck. It is not close. There is NOTHING boychuck does better
- tweaver3312

If playing actual defense and not being braindead half the time doesn't count, you're right.

You'd probably be surprised that JB has better timing, and cleanliness, at making big big hits.

Good... that is what you get for trying to take out Tavares. Karma is a good thing!!!

- TheNugeIsHuge

As for Phaneuf... not sure how he gets dragged into the conversation...

Good player... nothing special. Solid.

Extremely overpaid.

Why hate on Boychuck... let him play for a year as a top defenceman, then judge him.

He has been stuck behind some guys on the Bruins... now he will get lots of ice time and responsibility.


I think even more important than Chara going down is Bailey going down with a broken hand.... how is this not the headline...

They've always got Lucic to lead the team. He seems like a very level headed upstanding guy.

Eklund: Chara Suffers Knee Injury, Out 6 Weeks....Possibly Longer
- Eklund

If playing actual defense and not being braindead half the time doesn't count, you're right.

You'd probably be surprised that JB has better timing, and cleanliness, at making big big hits.
- gforce

Ill admit, I haven't watched 80 gms of either team the two seasons. But I have seen the leads about35 times, and the Bruins about 25.


Phaneuf while overpaid, is still at the worst a top pairing dman. I can't say that about JB. I just haven't seen him do it. While he's solid, and I won't argue that I really wish the flyers could have figured something out to get him(frank you Holmgren). I still cannot say that he's better than Dion. QoC plays a major role. We'll get a good look this year now that he's forced to be a top pair guy. I wouldn't be too surprised to find out that he is a top pairing caliber dman, at this point we don't know though.


So I guess my point is that Dion is a legit top pair guy, and proven. JB is not. Not yet anyway

- TimBits

he does have long legs

Its not even close man. Not even close. Dion=top30 dman in league. Boychuck barely scratches top 100.

Is Dion overpaid? Yes. Was he over rated? Yes. Is he better than boychuck? Lol yes.
- tweaver3312

This

The Big bad Bruins aren't so big and bad anymore. They are on decline.

This
- Popcorn Kid

That???

As much as everyone sh**s on Dion he is better than Boychuck. Also, I wasn't saying Boychuk isn't good, he's just not some all star like people have made him out to be since he was traded.
- GOLEAFS71

You may be right, but we need to see his stats at the end of the season....many players go elsewhere and thrive and later become those all stars you refer to...not all the superstars enter the league as all stars.....um...perhaps take a look at the guy we are referring to....Chara!

All these trolls. Can't wait til your guy goes down. Hopefully it's one of mine them puts them there. Bunch of super-dork LOSAHS!!

Phaneuf must welcome responsibility too resigning a 7 year deal to be the captain of the leafs and all. Boychuk is good but the people who put him as high up as Phaneuf just hate on Dion. I get it too. Not the biggest Dion fan but I know what he is and it's a hell of a lot better than people give him credit for.
- GOLEAFS71

AGREED!!