Dion Phaneuf’s days as a Calgary Flame are done
Posted Jan 31, 2010 3:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
General manager Darryl Sutter shipped the heavy-hitting defenceman to Toronto Sunday in a blockbuster deal for forwards Niklas Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayers and defenceman Ian White.
The Maple Leafs also pick up forward Fredrik Sjostrom and minor-league defenceman Keith Aulie.
Flames G.M. Daryl Sutter addressed the media Sunday afternoon at the Delta Airport Hotel, saying the decision is not a reflection of Phaneuf’s talent.
“This move wasn’t made because of Dion. He’s a great kid and a really good hockey player and he’ll continue to be a really good hockey player.”
Sutter says the trade will strengthen the team’s offense.
The Flames desperately needed to inject some scoring acumen into their lineup and many say the move has certainly accomplished that objective in dramatic fashion.
Stajan immediately becomes the second-leading scorer on the Flames with 16 goals and 41 points in 55 games. Hagman has 20 goals and 33 points.
White adds some offensive punch from the blueline with nine goals and 26 points in 56 games.
Phaneuf, 24, played nearly five seasons with the Flames. In 55 games this season, the Edmonton native had 10 goals and 22 points.
