According to various sources, the latest NHL trade rumors suggest the LA Kings are close to acquiring Dion Phaneuf from the Ottawa Senators
It wasn’t too long ago that the Toronto Maple Leafs traded away their captain Dion Phaneuf. To this day, he’s the last Leafs captain. Phaneuf found himself traded to the Ottawa Senators about two years ago. Two years later, he might be on his way to a different team. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, Phaneuf is likely on his way to the LA Kings.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun was the first to report the deal was close. TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman were the first two reports to confirm the details.
#Sens may be closing in on a deal with the Kings for Dion Phaneuf. Was likely pulled for precautionary reasons. Remember nothing is done until all the paper work is completed.
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 14, 2018
It’s believed Dion Phaneuf has been pulled from OTT-PIT game to facilitate a trade to LAK.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2018
I believe the Kings player involved is still in the game. https://t.co/cKzBX8EMjD
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 14, 2018
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No word yet on what kind of return the Senators are getting for Phaneuf. Nor is there any confirmation of what the Kings are giving up. However, given Phaneuf’s expensive cap hit, it’s safe to say the Senators are probably retaining at least part of the money remaining on his deal.
The Kings have been sniffing around for a defenseman lately. Phaneuf is aging, but he is still an NHL caliber defenseman. This will be the first time he’s suited up for a Western Conference team since he got his start with the Calgary Flames. How long ago was that? Phaneuf nearly won the Calder Trophy and Norris Trophy with them!
UPDATE: The trade is semi-official. Dreger has the details for the trade.
Phaneuf and Thompson for Gaborik and Shore. Sens retain 25% of Phaneuf salary.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 14, 2018
Ottawa could be on their way to some more deals as sellers. However, this deal is important for them. This clears up quite a bit of money for a team whose finances aren’t in the best shape. It’s more money they can hopefully dedicate to extending team captain Erik Karlsson. At least that’s what Senators fans are hoping.
As more details about this potential trade are released, we’ll update this post.