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The Seven: The most shocking thing about the Dion Phaneuf trade

The Seven: The most shocking thing about the Dion Phaneuf trade

That Dion Phaneuf was traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs should have been met with only mild surprise.

There had been longstanding speculation the Leafs were interested in trading their captain, including reports a deal to Detroit almost occurred a year ago. Although finding another team to take his $7-million (U.S) annual contract until 2021 and being comfortable with accepting an unfavourable return were going to be obstacles, it seemed clear there was the appetite for change.

Little surprise there, other than the fact that the Leafs didn’t have to retain any of Phaneuf’s salary.

Now for the shocking part. The Leafs shipped Phaneuf to one of their biggest rivals, the Ottawa Senators – the first time in almost two decades the teams have exchanged NHL players.

Long gone are the wild ‘Battle of Ontario’ days from the early 2000s. The forever rebuilding Leafs have made the playoffs just once since 2004, which has helped to put a wet blanket on the rivalry.

Still, who saw a trade coming between the provincial foes? Based on history it would be hard to imagine anyone did.

Notwithstanding the massive move by Leafs founder Conn Smythe to acquire future Hall of Famer King Clancy from the original Senators in 1930, trades between the two franchises have been minor and infrequent.

The Leafs and Sens have never made a deal since the Leafs moved over to the Eastern Conference in time for the 1998-99 season. The last one? Remember when the Leafs sent defenceman Per Gustafsson to the Sens for a draft pick during the 1997-98 campaign? We’ll forgive you if you don’t.

The other trade was more meaningful as the Leafs and Sens flipped goaltenders Don Beaupre and Damian Rhodes. However, it was a three-team trade also involving the New York Islanders and Wade Redden and Bryan Berard were the centrepieces, not the netminders.

So it wasn’t so much that Phaneuf was traded. It wasn’t even that several players were involved. (Phaneuf was acquired by Toronto in a seven-player deal in January 2010 – a deal in which only Matt Stajan remains with the team that obtained him).

No, it was only shocking that Phaneuf was sent to Ottawa. And that wrinkle was downright jaw-dropping.  

Now for the rest of The Seven, our weekly look at the Canadian-based NHL teams. This week we’ll break things down starting in Montreal and then moving across the country from the west.

The Habs continue to hold out hope that MVP goalie Carey Price can come back this season. (Reuters)
The Habs continue to hold out hope that MVP goalie Carey Price can come back this season. (Reuters)

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Trending – Three straight wins – the first time that’s happened since late November – is reason for optimism. The Habs are three points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Making his mark – While the Canadiens and their fans pray for the return of Carey Price, Ben Scrivens allowed four goals over his last three outings, all wins.

Dubious distinction – David Desharnais has only four power-play points this season, yet is getting looks on the top man-advantage unit.

What’s ahead – The Canadiens are on the road for games in Buffalo, Arizona and Colorado.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Trending – One step forward, two steps back. The Canucks finally got Dan Hamhuis back from a gruesome jaw injury, but now will be without Brandon Sutter and Alex Edler for the long term.

Making his mark – Ben Hutton’s two assists helped propel the Canucks to a 3-1 win in Colorado on Tuesday. The rookie blueliner has 15 points in 47 games.

Dubious distinction – Yannick Weber was the latest NHL veteran to be sent to the minors. But the Canucks quickly summoned the defenceman from Utica to replace the ailing Edler.

What’s ahead – The Canucks play a three-game homestand against Toronto, Minnesota and Anaheim.

Flames rookie Sam Bennett is hitting his stride -- and scoring more -- in the second half of the season. (Getty)
Flames rookie Sam Bennett is hitting his stride -- and scoring more -- in the second half of the season. (Getty)

CALGARY FLAMES

Trending – Top-liners Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and winger Lane Bouma were all scratched for a game against Toronto for disciplinary reasons.

Making his mark – Rookie Sam Bennett had two goals and six points over his last three games. The Flames won all of them.

Dubious distinction – Dennis Wideman’s 20-game suspension for hitting linesmen Don Henderson is going through a lengthy appeals process. A decision isn’t expected to come soon.

What’s ahead – The Flames are in Arizona on Friday before returning to the Saddledome to host Anaheim and Minnesota.

EDMONTON OILERS

Trending – Connor McDavid. Could it really be anyone else? McDavid was in on all five goals as the Oilers downed the Leafs 5-2 on Thursday. He has four goals and 12 points in six games since a return from a broken collarbone.

Making his mark – The biggest beneficiaries of McDavid’s return have been linemates Jordan Eberle and Benoit Pouliot. Eberle earned his first career hat trick against Toronto, part of a four-point night. Pouliot had four helpers.

Dubious distinction – Ben Scrivens, the goaltender the Oilers no longer wanted, stopped 23 of 24 shots to beat his former team 5-1 last Saturday. His replacement, Cam Talbot, was pulled.

What’s ahead – The Oilers continue their homestand with games against Winnipeg, Anaheim and Minnesota.

WINNIPEG JETS

Trending – Big Buff is staying in the ‘Peg. Dustin Byfuglien inked a five-year $38-million contract extension on Monday. That’s a nice $2.4-million annual raise.

Making his mark – The Jets are desperate for points and Mark Scheifele’s shootout goal gave Winnipeg a 2-1 win in St. Louis on Wednesday.

Dubious distinction – Byfuglien’s extension puts captain Andrew Ladd’s future in Winnipeg in a tenuous spot. The Jets are second-last in the Western Conference standings and would be wise to move Ladd, a free agent in the summer, if a new deal can’t be reached before the Feb. 29 NHL trade deadline.

What’s ahead – The Jets head out on the road for games in Edmonton, Carolina and Tampa Bay. At least they’re collecting air miles, right?

Jake Gardiner has been one of the few bright spots during a dark period for the Leafs. (AP)
Jake Gardiner has been one of the few bright spots during a dark period for the Leafs. (AP)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Trending – Nazem Kadri’s wallet is a little lighter. The centreman was fined $5,000 for a throat-slash gesture made towards Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano.

Making his mark – There wasn’t much to like as the Leafs lost three times, including getting drubbed by Ottawa and Edmonton. Jake Gardiner did score in consecutive games.

Dubious distinction – The Leafs are in last place in the NHL standings. It’s the latest point they’ve held that distinction in a season since 1996-97. The Leafs didn’t have a first-round pick for the 1997 draft though. They used it to acquire Wendel Clark and Mathieu Schneider from the New York Islanders in March 1996. The Isles drafted Roberto Luongo fourth overall.

What’s ahead – The Leafs are in Vancouver and Chicago before their next home game, Thursday against the Rangers.

OTTAWA SENATORS

Trending – The Sens already made one big trade. Is another coming? They are reportedly the frontrunners for disgruntled Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jonathan Drouin.

Making his mark – Craig Anderson allowed just two goals in lopsided victories over Toronto and Tampa Bay.

Dubious distinction – Two games for Dion Phaneuf in his new threads. Two losses. Phaneuf did collect a pair of assists in his home debut, a 4-3 loss to Colorado on Thursday.

What’s ahead – The Sens are in Columbus on Saturday. They’re back at home for games next Tuesday against Buffalo and Thursday against Carolina.

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