The idea that Darryl Sutter, the GM of the Calgary Flames and one of the most intelligent, well-rounded and respected GM's in the entire National Hockey League trading away All-Star and possible future Norris Trophy winning defense man Dion Phaneuf is one of the most preposterous rumors in recent memory. It has been an apparent rumor that the Flames, would be willing to trade Dion Phaneuf to New Jersey, in return for Zach Parise.
Darryl Sutter, who is known making some major splashes at deadline day in recent years, like the re-acquiring of center Craig Conroy, trading Phaneuf could be one of the most ridiculous trades in recent memory. Although, there are many ties between the two clubs which does make the scenario a little interesting. All be it, Phaneuf played for Brett Sutter, head coach of the New Jersey Devils in Red Deer for the Western Hockey Leagues, Red Deer Rebels from '01 to '05. And of course, the obvious tie of Darryl and Brett being brothers from one of the most well-respected hockey families ever.
The situation still would not make sense for either club. The Devils, who have had a hard time replacing Scott Stevens since his retirement in 2004, have been looking for somebody who can mimic his style of play, and Phaneuf is often compared to Stevens and his ability to change the tone of the game with a bone jarring hit. The acquisition of Phaneuf would definitely bolster a struggling Devils defense and add another weapon to their power play. If the Flames were to acquire Parise in return, what would he provide to an already star studded Flames roster. Jarome Iginla, Kristian Huselius, Daymond Langkow and Alex Tanguay to be exact.
This trade would go down as one of the most talked about trades in recent history. Although, it would more than likely never be Phaneuf for Parise up front, the chances of this happening are very slim.
(Update: Apparently Montreal, Toronto and the Islanders are now interested)
I've said it many times since the Phaneuf rumor was posted last night: the ONLY possible way Phaneuf will be traded ANYWHERE is if he doesn't reach an agreement on an extension before he becomes open to offer sheets on July 1. This is very unlikely.
The struggling Devils defense is 2nd in the NHL in GA.
I got banned for a day over that rumor lol..............I agree not going to happen
one of the most idiotic rumors ive seen here.
Not going to happen Phaneuf is already A Leaf
I have to agree with the idiotic rumors from above