Dion Phaneuf Announces His Retirement

Longtime NHL defenseman Dion Phaneuf officially announced his retirement in an interview with the Toronto Sun.

Dion Phaneuf is calling it a career after 1,048 NHL GP in 14 seasons. The three-time #NHLAllStar and former @MapleLeafs captain tallied 494 regular-season points.

Full release: https://t.co/c5TlRf18Ur pic.twitter.com/mSSQ36RcWk
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) November 16, 2021

This isn't all too surprising to hear, as Phaneuf last played in the NHL during the 2018-19 season with the Los Angeles Kings. Still, though, he deserves respect for a very solid career.

After being drafted ninth overall by the Calgary Flames during the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Phaneuf quickly blossomed into a top-pairing defenseman. He had his best offensive days in the league there, as he scored 75 goals and recorded 228 points in 378 total games. He also had a 20-goal season as a rookie and had 60 points during the 2007-08 season.

However, when he was just 24 years, he of course was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs and became their eventual captain. He went on to play seven years with them and was their top defenseman. However, during Toronto's big rebuild, they dealt Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators.

In 1,048 games between the Flames, Maple Leafs, Senators and Kings, Phaneuf had 137 goals, 357 assists, 497 points and a whopping 1,345 penalty minutes. With that, he also was a three-time All-Star, named to the All-Rookie Team and even was the cover athlete for EA Sports NHL 09.

Nonetheless, congrats on a very good career, Dion!