Did you really just brought back a post from like 20 months ago?
The point still stands, exactly like I posted. 31 is not old and Phaneuf was already slow, so nothing changed as he has already "declined" a few years ago from being a top D-man. Phaneuf will be fine in LA because he won't have to be more than a #5 for them as they have a very competent defense (Doughty, Martinez, Muzzin and Forbort, and they have Clague and Brickley coming soon)
The thing that completely goes over your head here is that after Methot was gone, Phaneuf was miscast as a #3 guy, and we know you can't expect that from him at this point. Very similar situation to Ceci being asked to be a #2. At this point in time, Ceci should be a #4 and Phaneuf a #5
And it has been the problem in years for the Sens defense, always missing at least a #2 or #3 D-man, which puts most of the other D-men in the wrong chair*
Ideally, I'd like to go into the season
Methot (#2/3) - Karlsson (#1)
Chabot (#2/3) - Ceci (#4)
Phaneuf (#5) - Wideman (#6)
Wolanin/Harpur
* It's weird, in Montreal it's a concept that they consistently talk about (example : a Center in the wrong chair lol) but on this board I don't remember anybody talking about it or even acknowledging it when I mention it.