Here’s the setup: Florida needs to shop a (presumably) bolting Jay Bouwmeester. Calgary sees no future (???) in bone-crusher Dion Phaneuf. Throw in a first rounder (14th overall), sign Big Bouw long-term and send them both packing to the Flames for ‘Neuf. Everyone’s happy, right?
Putting aside the bizarre desire of Calgary management to inherit everyone that’s played with Florida the past three years, there might be a ring of decency and unilateral fairness to such a deal, proposed by The Hockey News’ Brian Costello.
I’m guessing Costello figures Panthers GM Jacques Martin nor any of his scouting staff do their homework, but in case they don’t, here’s where the bottom falls out:
Anyone who has watched the Flames knows Phaneuf’s game has deteriorated badly.
He doesn’t work hard enough defensively, coasting into corners and standing around too much with one hand on his stick, and he’s become beatable one-on-one. His long outlook passes are so telegraphed they never work anymore.
Call it Costello’s Sloppy Seconds moment.
Phaneuf is aneuf of a talent – signed for five more seasons – and far too professional at so young an age (just turned 24) to be written off, especially under a Keenan administration, which is notoriously hit-or-miss with younger players.
Is there truth to his representation of the towering D-man? I don’t see enough Flames hockey to know either way. Got to be some nugget of reality to it. But so what.
Is it pandering to Flames management to make a bold move for Bouwmeester? Undoubtedly. Is it a good deal all around? Definitely; consider what the guy would be trailing with him down to Sunrise (and they do appear to have an affinity for beaches):
Jay (signed) and Panthers’ first round selection (14th overall) in 2009 for Dion and Elisha. Fair deal for Florida?
| Yep…if Bouw won’t sign here anyway? Jump on this one, JM | 20 |
| Nope…Cats get the shaft in a good draft class | 17 |