Behind Enemy Lines
Registered User
Flames Draft Watcher said:Yeah, he didn't look out of place at all last training camp. Would have made the team had we been an expansion team or had less depth on defense. And by all accounts he progressed quite nicely last year (WJC All Star Team at age 18, THN and CHL accolades.)
Sure he may be overrated by some. But comparing him to Gauthier is underrating him.
I agree. I am an Oilers fan which pains me to praise so highly a Flames prospect. But Dion Phaneuf is a player. He should top out as a #1/#2 defenseman who has all of the tools to be a great NHL defenseman. Only time will tell but he is very good. And I felt he could have made the Flames last year. He was exceptional in the exhibition game against the Oil. But they made the smart and prudent decision to send him back to the Dub.
Flames Draft Watcher, I agree he will be much better than Gauthier who I feel is overrated. Big hitter but too often takes himself out of position to try for the big hit. No offense and pitiful at fighting. Phaneuf will quickly surpass Gauthier.
For the many posts here about Gauthier's junior career (which was very good), five other defensemen were picked prior to the goat in his draft year. Obviously NHL scouts saw gaps in his game despite starring in the Q.