Flames Sign Dion Phaneuf to Six-Year Contract

[canuckfan]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

There's a big difference between Calgary and Tampa Bay. The Lightning tied all their money up in 3 forwards. Similar situation in Toronto where it was spent on defencemen. With Calgary, they have locked up a legitimate franchise player at each position.

Come on, age? The only guy in his 30's is Kipper. Regehr and Iggy are entering their prime age, while Dion is only gonna get better.

I wasn't saying that Tampa and Calgary were exactly the same, but that their contract situations are a tad similar. Yes, its three forwards in Tampa, but in Calgary its still a lot money plotted to a small group of players. I'm just wondering how Sutter will fill out the rest of next year's roster, about 9 spots, with 5 million dollars, depending on how much room they want to leave themselves. All I'm saying is, after this season, thanks to these big contracts, the Flamers won't be able to enjoy the kind of depth they have right now - and its not like they're bursting at the seams with prospects in their system - they're quite dry on the farm in Q.C. and for some reason many who might have been NHL-ready have fled to Europe.

And Iginla will be 31 this year - I was wrong about Regehr, I thought he was older than he was - but Iginla is no longer a spring chicken.

[fansince65]

Originally Posted by lockdownlol

Surprised it wasn't for 10+ years like the other big deals we've been seeing recently. Good for the Flames to lock him up long-term, guys a hell of a player.

Ya me to .. but six years is not bad .. by thay time he will be in the Pronger type of money .. if he dosent get injured ...

[devils29]

I can somehow see Sutter magically making room under cap and fielding a competitive team next year again (ala Lou in NJ)

They'll be competitive still. And I think the deal for Phaneuf was actually a good one. He's worth that money more-or-less now as it is.