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| Dion Phaneuf |
>>>The Timberwolves acquired defenseman Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Chinook in exchange for four high-caliber prospects in forward Taylor Beck, defenseman Ian Cole and 2011 draftee forwards, Ty Rattie and Zack Phillips.
>>>Phaneuf, 26, joins Thunder Bay after scoring 24 points in 82 games for Calgary last season. Numbers that Timberwolves management feel are more reflective of the overall Chinook team.
>>>"We're not concerned with the stats that Dion put up there last season," said Timberwolves general manager Blake Wendt from his office at Canadian National Gardens in Thunder Bay. "Every player over there put up numbers that were sub-par and just indicative of what was going on there."
>>>"We're are extremely pleased to have brought in Dion Phaneuf and adding to our overall depth on our blueline. We paid a high price with some quality prospects that Calgary is and will be very pleased to have themselves. But we didn't give up a roster player though, and especially didn't swap out one of our current defensemen to bring in Phaneuf. It will be a wonderful competition to have in camp."
>>>Preliminary pairings look something like (1) Marc Staal / John Carlson, (2) Niklas Kronwall / Dion Phaneuf or Jordan Leopold and (3) Carl Gunnarsson or Douglas Murray / Dion Phaneuf or Anton Volchenkov
>>>An overall group that should strike fear in the opposition if not for anything more than the punishing contact initiated by the likes of Staal, Kronwall, Phaneuf, Murray and Volchenkov.
>>>"I think we have some pretty good balance," said Wendt. "The physical edge seems to be obvious. But I like the mix of that with offensive guys that play a polished game in their own end as well."
>>>It has not been announced what number will be assigned to Phaneuf. He's worn #3 since juniors, but that number is currently assigned to Murray.
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