After a quick start to his NHL career which saw him come runner up for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year (2005-06), being selected as a Norris Trophy finalist as the NHL’s top defenseman (2006-07) two All-Star selections (2007 and 2008) and a slew of International accomplishments, Dion Phaneuf slowly fell out of favor with the Calgary Flames, ultimately leading to him being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
At the time of the trade Phaneuf was involved in a number of controversies surrounding both his on and off ice life.
On the ice, Phaneuf had to endure a number of criticisms including accusations of laziness, rumors of turmoil in the dressing room and even allegations of drug use off the ice.
With so much scandal surrounding Phaneuf a trade out of Calgary looked to be just what the talented blueliner needed, but there were still plenty of critics that thought the move to Toronto would do little to change Phaneuf’s floundering career.
During his short tim...
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