Gonchar was playing 25 minutes a night, scoring at a ridiculous pace still, playing quite a bit of PK. Gonchar was actually playing some pretty solid 2 way hockey for a few years in Pittsburgh.
- Dirte

Carolina, NJ Van?? I can go on.

Carolina, NJ Van?? I can go on.
- Blazed

What about them?

What about them?
- Dirte

Who was Carolinas top dman? Vancouver was Bieksa hardly elite.

NJ was who??

Calgary in 04??

Tampa Bay?

Who was Carolinas top dman? Vancouver was Bieksa hardly elite.

NJ was who??

Calgary in 04??

Tampa Bay?
- Blazed

He was elite when he had Hamhuis as his partner.

Hamhuis was Van's "elite" D-Man in 2011. Hence utter collapse when he went down in Game 2.

He was elite when he had Hamhuis as his partner.

Hamhuis was Van's "elite" D-Man in 2011. Hence utter collapse when he went down in Game 2.
- Mattjd123

Lol if Hamhuis is elite than so is Phaneuf and likely Gardiner too.

Lol if Hamhuis is elite than so is Phaneuf and likely Gardiner too.
- Blazed

lol understand what quotations imply.

I'd have no problem going over 5. People really truly don't understand how good he really is.


If/when he's gone they will though.
- burn

I love this argument.


If you don't think he's awesome you simply just don't understand things.

I love this argument.


If you don't think he's awesome you simply just don't understand things.
- robin_steele264

My favourite is "yeah, but if you watched them you'd know."

Adam Kirshenblatt: The Debate of Dion Phaneuf
- MasWE

First off, I agree with you about Toronto fans' general perspective, and specific focus on Dion Phaneuf the player. But the reason I think we should trade him is because of Dion Phaneuf the person.

On two separate occasions, I've spoken to sportscasters who are former NHLers, and both have told me that Phaneuf is a total jerk -- and not well-liked by teammates. He has precisely none of the qualities you want in a captain. And if we hold onto him for too long, he'll drive away not only pending UFAs -- but potential UFAs from other teams.

The stories about Iginla and Phaneuf not getting along are famous. And it's well-established that Iginla is a class act all the way. So it doesn't take much arithmetic to figure out who the problem was there.

I think we should trade him while his stock is high.

First off, I agree with you about Toronto fans' general perspective, and specific focus on Dion Phaneuf the player. But the reason I think we should trade him is because of Dion Phaneuf the person.

On two separate occasions, I've spoken to sportscasters who are former NHLers, and both have told me that Phaneuf is a total jerk -- and not well-liked by teammates. He has precisely none of the qualities you want in a captain. And if we hold onto him for too long, he'll drive away not only pending UFAs -- but potential UFAs from other teams.

The stories about Iginla and Phaneuf not getting along are famous. And it's well-established that Iginla is a class act all the way. So it doesn't take much arithmetic to figure out who the problem was there.

I think we should trade him while his stock is high.
- jnwood2517

Have you ever played on any teams? Were you best friends with every guy? I've played on many teams with one or two guys I couldn't stand, and I don't think it makes SFA of a difference in the play. I think that's totally overblown by fans.

Also, these guys are not going to take less money and avoid a team because there is someone they don't like there. This isn't high school.

Have you ever played on any teams? Were you best friends with every guy? I've played on many teams with one or two guys I couldn't stand, and I don't think it makes SFA of a difference in the play.
- Dirte

Yes I have. And no I was not. But the word is that MOST teammates aren't high on Phaneuf.

Plus, considering he's coming off a strong year, statistically, it makes sense to cash in while you're riding high.

Yes I have. And no I was not. But the word is that MOST teammates aren't high on Phaneuf.

Plus, considering he's coming off a strong year, statistically, it makes sense to cash in while you're riding high.
- jnwood2517

Well, that's fine. I'm not arguing with the thought of trading him while his stock is high. It would completely screw the Leafs for next year, but if they could get a top return, with thoughts of building for a couple of years down the line, I can understand that line of thinking. It's the part about driving away UFAs that I think is ridiculous.

Adam Kirshenblatt: The Debate of Dion Phaneuf
- MasWE

Dion to Nashville for Gaustad. Leafs give up a lot more but save cap space. Dion excels playing behind Weber.

Dions a (frank)ing putz - guy can barely clear the puck out if his zone and that's without a forecheck. I'm laughing at all these clowns sticking up for him. I watched every game aNd cheer for every player. This guy is (frank)ing clueless with and without the puck. Hopefully Carlyle can coach him up to speed or give him a quick IQ test and when he fails send him packing!!!!

Thus far he’s met those expectations.

This where I stopped reading your propaganda/blog.

He has NO WHERE NEAR met expectations. Burke super-sold him and no one in the Toronto press ever did one once of work on the "WHY" Calgary was so eager to let him get away for a ship load of overpaid crappola.

This is Dion Phaneuf. Big, emotional, out of his depth in hurried situations and easily the D-man on the team who is most out of position.

I know you will say, that is because he plays 24 minutes.... well, man to man --- minute to minute, based head to head.... he is not worthy of a Captain.

$5M puts him top 25 paid dman. Do you think he's a top 25 dman in the league? At $6M, that's top 10 money. I just can't get on board with that.
- Dirte

He was 12th in scoring last year and 10th this year, all the while playing against the other teams best. His Quality of Comp was like #3 of the whole league this year.


I have no problem over 5mil.

Cause he is not as good as you think. That's why he can't make the Olympic roster. You sign him to a 5 year 6+ deal, you will regret it.
- Champ

Sure thing....... See Glucky's post above.

What a long piece of writing by a guy that obviosly haven't watched awhile lot of leafs games over dions time. He is not a bad defenseman he is freakin brutal. All he ever does is makes huge mistakes and looks lost out there. Have you ever seem him fight? It's a joke!!! He does get the odd goal or big hit but come on captain? He should be 4-5 defenseman 2.5 mil per year tops and don't sign long term. Don't defend this guy he's the one that accepted being captain knowing he has no heart!!!

Personally I don't even think that's true. But the question is, who do you think is better?
- Dirte

how do think it's not true.... stat line is almost identical.

I love this argument.


If you don't think he's awesome you simply just don't understand things.
- robin_steele264

I'm glad you agree.....

What a long piece of writing by a guy that obviosly haven't watched awhile lot of leafs games over dions time. He is not a bad defenseman he is freakin brutal. All he ever does is makes huge mistakes and looks lost out there. Have you ever seem him fight? It's a joke!!! He does get the odd goal or big hit but come on captain? He should be 4-5 defenseman 2.5 mil per year tops and don't sign long term. Don't defend this guy he's the one that accepted being captain knowing he has no heart!!!
- GRABOVSKIISGREAT

What a long piece of writing by a guy that obviosly haven't watched awhile lot of leafs games over dions time. He is not a bad defenseman he is freakin brutal. All he ever does is makes huge mistakes and looks lost out there. Have you ever seem him fight? It's a joke!!! He does get the odd goal or big hit but come on captain? He should be 4-5 defenseman 2.5 mil per year tops and don't sign long term. Don't defend this guy he's the one that accepted being captain knowing he has no heart!!!
- GRABOVSKIISGREAT

In an average day, how many times do you fall down?

In an average day, how many times do you fall down?
- Big_Lightnin

I understand dion had a bad season doesn't mean u gotta trade or buy him out second option seems more likely with that contract but he isn't even 30 yet just find him a partner and he will be fine I would be more concerned about kessel and kadri both will want huge chunks of change coming there way I can't see u guys affording both in the long run looks like the cap might hit 67 next summer if ur lucky cant remember how they calculate it if the NHL makes tones of cash

In an average day, how many times do you fall down?
- Big_Lightnin