I could talk about many things this week, however I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least address what’s been a lightening rod for conversation, debate, and opinions en masse in our fair city: the trade of (contentious?) Calgary Flame, Dion Phaneuf, to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The city was reeling with the news on Sunday, and before Phanuef had even packed his bags, the city was awash in conversation. Bad trade? Good riddance?
Now, as a girl whose hockey knowledge rarely slips past knowing who the captain, goalie, or cutest players are (Eric Nystrom, I’m talking to you), I find myself constantly being dragged into the Phanuef trade round-about. After much listening, reading, and questioning of my husband (thanks honey!), here are some key points to remember when you find yourself roped into a heated discussion, which is likely to continue well into the play-off race and beyond:
a) The city seems to be equally split with Phaneuf supporters and detractors.Those who seem to love the guy cite his incredible rookie season, and the fact that he is only 24 years old—defensemen only get better with experience and time. Those who seem to loathe him, point to his inability to live up to they hype, and call him overpaid and overrated. Of course, then there are the alleged personal brouhahas: everyone seems to know someone who knows someone who Phaneuf was a jerk to outside of the rink. (Plus his Hollywood-persona was/is a constant sore point with many.)
b) The consensus is that we didn’t get enough in exchange for such a prize player. True, we did get four players in exchange for our three, but no one seemingly as valuable, plus we got rid of a prospect player in the process.
c) Undoubtedly one of the Flames’ marquee players, was viewed as a seemingly ‘untouchable’ player in the vein of our beloved Iginla and Kipprusoff. If he can go, who’s next?
Hopefully not Eric Nystrom.