A Year Ago Today Dion Was Dealt

It was a year ago today that the Calgary Flames dealt Dion Phaneuf to the center of the universe.


A year? Really? Has it been that long?

The trade was this: Dion Phaneuf, Freddie Sjostrom, and Keith Aulie to Toronto for Niklas Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayers, and Ian White.

So who won this deal? Is it still too early to tell? Did nobody win this deal?

What do the stats tell us?

Well from a team standpoint, Toronto is languishing away in 12th spot in the East, six games under .500 and 14 points out of a playoff spot and destined to miss the playoffs for the 6th straight year. The Flames are also in 12th spot in their respective conference but are three games above .500 and only sit two points out of a playoff spot.

Talk to Me About Depth Sutter

People who know me or read my blog understand that I do not care much for Darryl Sutter and the way he has chosen to run this franchise.

Well, Sutter’s comments on Thursday at the Flames Charity Golf tournament struck a chord with me, as they tend to do.

Before I rant though, let’s start with a good quote from the farmer himself:

"This is going to be the best training camp since I've been here; somebody isn't going to be happy."

He was of course referring to the abundance of players the Flames have signed under one way deals and the negative balance the Flames currently hold in reference to the Salary cap. This was a good statement, albeit a little contrived, but still it lets the players know that no one is necessarily safe.