Phaneuf vs. White

Given the Flames current situation, I guess it’s natural to second guess every decision made by the team throughout the year.

On the radio today, they were discussing the Phanuef trade as a “milestone” moment of the season. At that moment it occurred to me that since he left, I haven’t really heard anything about Dion. You’d think if he was tearing the place up that would be big news in a “sure…we trade him away and he comes alive” way.

I understand that there are intangibles in every situation, so I’m not interested in discussing how either guy was “in the room” or anything like that. I’m interested in the facts. So here they are.

Dion Phaneuf is tied up until 2014 at $6.5 million (’09/’10), $7 million, $6.5 million, $6.5 million and $5.5 million. Here’s his numbers from the last 5 games, and from this regular season overall.

Ian White is an RFA at the end of this season. His current salary is $950K. Here are his numbers.

White is beating Phaneuf in every significant category and he’s doing it at one-seventh the price.

This was obviously a clear win for the Flames. I wonder how long it’s going to take before the management and fans in TDot tire of their new defenceman? In Calgary, we already love our new guy and his porn-stache.

One final note; lots of talk about trading Iginla. I’m going on record and saying “There’s no way that happens”. At least, it doesn’t originate from the team. They might trade him if he requests it, but I honestly don’t see that happening either. Worst case scenario is Iginla finishes his career like Ray Bourque. He gets a mercy trade in the final year of his career to a solid contender. I’ll be shocked if either side pulls the plug early.