Prior to the 2014-15 trade deadline, the Detroit Red Wings were believed to be hotly pursuing Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf. The two sides were unable to reach a deal before the deadline passed, but it was reported that the talks would resume over the summer. Now that the season has wrapped, it appears that the Red Wings have had a change of heart.
@DetroitRedWings no longer interested in pursuing a trade for @MapleLeafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf, I was told.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) June 19, 2015
Are the Red Wings backing away from Phaneuf because of a disagreement on assets or finances? The financial aspect may have always been the sticking point as Phaneuf carries a massive $7 million cap hit all the way through the 2020-21 season. In order for a trade to get done, the Maple Leafs would have to absorb a significant portion of Phaneuf’s remaining salary. Money always seems to be a sticking point when it comes to moving a player with a significant cap hit.
Of course, it may also come down to assets. At one point, the Red Wings were eager to get a deal done and Stephen Weiss was a name that continually popped up in the rumors. It was also reported that the Maple Leafs had requested Brendan Smith in the deal, but the Red Wings were hesitant to include the 26-year-old defenseman.
Regardless, it sounds like fans should be more focused on the Phil Kessel trade rumors now that the Phaneuf rumors are cooling.
