The Ottawa Senators have traded defenseman Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson to the Los Angeles Kings for Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore. The Senators are retaining 25 percent of Phaneuf’s salary.
The 32-year old Phaneuf was drafted 9th overall in the 1st round of the 2003 draft by the Calgary Flames. He carries a $7 million salary cap hit for three more years.
The 33-year old Thompson was drafted 183rd overall in the 6th round of the 2003 draft by the Boston Bruins. He carries a $1.65 million salary cap hit through next season.
The 36-year old Gaborik as drafted 3rd overall in the 1st round of the 2000 draft by the Minnesota Wild. He carries a $4.875 million cap hit for three more years.
The 25-year old Shore was drafted 82nd overall in the 3rd round of the 2011 draft by the LA Kings. He carries a $925,000 cap hit and is a RFA after this season.
Some thoughts from the media …
Steve Lloyd: “Say what you want about where his game is at now, but the Sens don’t make the eastern final last year without Dion Phaneuf. Was nothing but a pro’s pro in his 2 years in Ottawa. All the best in LA.”
Shawn Simpson: “Had to move Phaneuf. Sens have lots of young D. Smart first move from Dorion. Thompson never made sense at those dollars. Ryan should be next!!!”
Dennis Bernstein: “Gaborik gave them more from the stands than on ice. Addition by subtraction. Privately, concern in room if defense could hold up down stretch and now addressed. Interested to see who Dion partner is. Would bet another defenseman traded in off season.”
David Pagnotta: “Kings add just $1.1M in full cap space, per season, with this trade. Gaborik $4.875M (3-years left) Shore $925K (RFA at season’s end) Thompson $1.65M (1-year left) Phaneuf $5.25M (3-years left) Phaneuf’s $1.75M retained by Sens ($7M total cap hit)”
Chris Johnston: “Phaneuf is due to be paid $7.675M more than Gaborik in actual dollars over the next three years, but that’s offset by #sens retaining 25%.”
Michael Augello: “Another thought on the Phaneuf deal, the #Leafs retained ZERO salary in the trade with Ottawa just two years ago. Proof that Lou Lamoriello was magical when he pulled off that trade.”
Pierre LeBrun: “Kings and Senators have been talking on and off for a bit on a Phaneuf deal but source says Ottawa agreeing to take Gaborik in the deal was obviously “huge.” Deal doesn’t happen otherwise”
John Hoven: “Even with Ottawa retaining 25% of Phaneuf’s salary, that’s a hefty cap hit for LA (5.25M for the next 3 seasons)”
Murray Pam: “Dion Phaneuf has $18.5m remaining on his actual salary over three years. Gaborik’s remaining salary over next three seasons, $10.825m. Buyout cost, $7.216m represents a huge saving by #Sens if….”
Cap Friendly Buyout Calculator.
Dion Phaneuf
Nate Thompson
Marian Gaborik
Nick Shore