Dion Phaneuf 2010-11 Preview

The majority of Maple Leafs observers and prognosticators – including the acclaimed Hockey News Yearbook – are predicting the team to finish out of the playoffs for a sixth straight reason. Expectations are higher than last season, but are not outlandish after the Leafs finished second last in the entire NHL last season. Who can blame The Hockey News for predicting the Leafs to miss the dance when they failed to address the lack of top six scoring? However, observers can’t highlight the defensive core as the reason for not competing for the post season.

The Leafs defence is a reason for optimism, led by newly minted captain Dion Phaneuf, who will anchor the blue line. Phaneuf, a 9th overall pick by the Calgary Flames in 2003, entered the league as a highly touted two-way defensive with a booming shot from the point and terrorizing body checks. The 6-foot-3, 215 pound defenseman tallied 20 goals and 49 points, along with 93 penalty minutes, in his rookie season. He followed than up by avoiding a sophomore slump and notching 17 goals and 50 points in his second season. Phaneuf truly became amongst the NHL’s elite when he had a 60-point season in 2007-08 with Calgary, where he was a finalist for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s best defenseman. Adding 7 points in 7 playoffs games boosted his stock and secured his status as one of the best up-and-coming defenseman.

After being awarded with a new six-year contract that would pay him an average of $6.5 million annually, Phaneuf came back to earth and scored on 47 points in 2008-09; 13 fewer than the previous season. A disappointing 5-game first round loss to the Chicago Blackhawks prompted the Flames to bolster their already formidable defense by acquiring star defenseman Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers. This was the first sign that the Flames were no longer banking their hope in Phaneuf, which eventually led to a falling out between the defenseman and coach Brent Sutter. On January 31st, 2010, the Maple Leafs made a monumental trade by snapping up Phaneuf from Calgary along with prospects, in exchange for a group of rather expendable players.

Phaneuf immediately had an impact on and off the ice; leading by example and representing the type of team that Brian Burke is attempting to assemble. His leadership, character and passion earned him the honour of being named captain at a press conference in June. After an uneventful off season, Phaneuf is eager to lead ‘his team’ back to the glory lands. A fresh start in a hockey driven city has boded well for him and promising for an illustrious career as a Maple Leaf. The 25-year old is the backbone of the Leafs rebuild and will be counted on when it matters most.

2009-10 Statistics
81 games, 12 goals, 20 assists, 32 points, 83 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
82 games, 15 goals, 32 assists, 47 points, 102 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – What are your point projections for Dion Phaneuf this season?

2 – Is Phaneuf capable of handling the pressure and responsibility that comes with being the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

3 – Will Phaneuf regain status as one of the elite defenseman in the NHL?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.