Home HockeyBuzz Register Login
"Keep the opinions sane and well thought out."
Canada, AB • Canada •
So over the last couple days a rumor has broken out about the Flames, this in itself makes me question it because Sutter (Darryl) is a guy who does not react kindly to leaks, about Dion Phanuef.

The meat of the rumor is that Dion would go to the Islanders for something along the lines of Tavares or Okposo (who he almost killed in an open ice hit in pre-season) or a first rounder or a combo of the above.

Tavares makes sense, you just do not see that many incredibly talented guys like him. Dion is a franchise defensemen regardless what you think of his short comings. To give you evidence of that, the Hockey News did a poll on which of Ovechkin, Crosby and Dion they would want to build around and two picked Dion. Doesn't sound like a lot until you think seriously about the competition.

Okposo is a really talented prospect but I'm not convinced he'd do a lot for Calgary, having said that Calgary is without a first round pick in the next draft and no one said this deal would go through tomorrow. It would be very interesting to see at the next Draft if Dion is moved. I have mentioned this before and been discounted but think about the blue line depth Calgary has long term and you will see that Dion is an incredible talent, who can score hit and change a game occasionally...that is expendable. So maybe there is smoke here.

The smoke would be Jay-bo's contract, the fact they got Bouwmeester points towards Calgary potentially setting up a deal like that...or at least having the option.

This could have been nothing more than a guy thinking about it, the fact Eklund hasn't even posted an e1 on it says that to me but it also could be snow asking if Dion is available for this package or that package and that's where it ended. If Calgary were to get Tavares and a first, or even just Tavares I'm not sure I would be disappointed.

S>O>
Filed Under:   Calgary   Flames   Tavares   Phanuef  
December 11, 2009 7:22 PM ET | Delete
not sure that ny would part with tavares at this point, i don't have much interest in okposo..still i wouldn't mind seeing what the flames could get for dion, if at least for curiosity's sake
December 11, 2009 7:34 PM ET | Delete
There is no possible way the NYI trade Tavares. It makes no sense whatsoever. If they wanted an impact defensemen they would have drafted Hedman instead. The deal for Okposo doesnt make sense either as the depth calgary has in the minors now, along with boyd, nystrom, moss, and other young guys starting to come into form, Okposo has no position on this team. Sorry but I disagree that this rumour has any merit.
December 11, 2009 9:07 PM ET | Delete
Newman: It also make no sense to sign three starting goaltenders. If they want to send us Tavares for Dion then I say where do we sign? I love Dion but if we can fill an offensive position like that with Dion then it's a no brainer. We are deep on D talent in the junior rankings but the Offence is a little weak.
December 11, 2009 10:03 PM ET | Delete
something is smoking alright........your doobie.......no way nyi trade tavares, not for dion and a 1st round moving from calgary, and no kidding you wouldn't be disappointed for tavares / phaneuf straight up, you'd be crazy not to make that tradei call bs on tavares being available but okposo i can see
December 11, 2009 11:51 PM ET | Delete
You're smoking crack if you really think Tavares will be in a package to go ANYWHERE. No chance, nada, zero, zilch. Take it from your own motto... "keep the opinions sane!"
December 12, 2009 3:49 AM ET | Delete
Sheesh, not as bad as a Leaf fan posting trade ideas, but wayyyyy overvaluing Dion. He's got talent, no doubt, but he's a defensive liability and it a potential cancer. And you think he could be traded for the #1 overall pick, an 'exceptional' player who has set records every where he goes? Give your head a shake if you think that is even remotely fair. Whether or not you are just commenting on a rumour, the fact you give it credence by actually trying to suggest it would be fair is mystifying.
December 12, 2009 12:28 PM ET | Delete
Dion's not going anywhere. I don't care who is spreading the rumours. Eklund or the Ottawa Sun or whomever. He won't be leaving the Flames and certainly not in the midst of a season where he's picked his play back up tremendously. And NYI would be absolutely crazy to trade John Tavares.
December 12, 2009 3:05 PM ET | Delete
NYI will not get rid of Okposo, NEVERMIND their franchise player in Tavares! Phaneuf is a great defenseman and would be GREAT for their blueline. But think realistically here, not only is this is bad in terms of development perspective for NYI, but a PR perspective as well. They have spent so much time marketing Okposo and Tavares, it wouldnt make sense. They both have amazing potential that we are just beginning to see.
December 12, 2009 5:28 PM ET | Delete
Hey... i didn't make it I just told you what I read, it was also on ESPN as well. Tavares is the cornerstone of the franchise of the Island for sure, if you re-read that blog you will see that I very much doubted this as well but I do think Phaneuf could move this summer.
December 13, 2009 10:23 AM ET | Delete
You can't be serious even mentioning Tavares in a trade. I think Dion could be had for Bailey,Biron, and a 1st rounder next year. They could use a young #1 center in the making in Bailey. Have no 1st round draft choice next year and could use a good backup to take some pressure off of Kiprusoff. They might try to get Hunter as well who is an Alberta native and plays a Sutter type of hockey.
December 13, 2009 4:37 PM ET | Delete
phaneuf won't be dealt for tavares...you can bank on that. plain and simple. i don't that though that he may go to an eastern conference team, but the realism is that the islanders don't have much to offer the flames other than picks. but the flames need players at this point, especially with so many guys in free agency. but i doubt he'll even be moved until the trade deadline if at all.
December 14, 2009 10:59 AM ET | Delete
What the Flames lack is a strong, offensive, playmaking Center.
December 14, 2009 11:20 AM ET | Delete
I agree with Trots here. The key prospect in this runour has to be Bailey. Okposo and Tavares are the Centerpieces of the Islanders team heading forward. Bailey's a strong fit for the flames, and packaged with a young physical defenseman (Maybe Sutton?) and some picks, this rumour starts to make way more sense.
December 22, 2009 4:58 PM ET | Delete
What do you think about Atlanta as a trading partner here? I just posted a blog with a potential package for Kovy. Do you think it's possible?
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to leave a comment.

Blog Archive

14 "