Phaneuf Leaves With Cut Leg

The Toronto Maple Leafs have received an injury scare, as their captain Dion Phaneuf was helped off the ice after an awkward collision with Senators forward Peter Regin against the boards. Phaneuf could not put any weight on his leg as he was helped off and the diagnosis after the game was that he had suffered a deep cut on his leg.

There has been no further word as to the severity of the leg injury or how deep the cut actually is, but if it is anything like what Kevin Bieksa has suffered in the past, Phaneuf could be out a little longer than "a few games."

Already in 2011, Phaneuf has dressed for the first 11 games, but has only managed to register 4 assists in that time, which can be concluded as some disappointing early season scoring numbers.  That isn't to say that Phaneuf hasn't been trying, he finished last night's game against Ottawa as the team's leader in shots on goal with 37, he just hasn't managed to find the back of the net.

This is yet another harsh turn for John P. in the draft, as he awaits for the official word on his highest drafted defenseman in the pool.  Phaneuf was taken in the 5th round, 95th overall with the promise of a return to form as the Leafs' number one offensive defenseman.  If the damage is minor and Phaneuf does only miss a few games, then this isn't as serious as it could be.  John finished Tuesday night in 14th place, 19 points out of the money and 10 points ahead of last place.

Ironically, Regin, the player that cut Phaneuf's leg inadvertently, also belongs to John in the draft.  Not a good sign when your own players are hurting each other.

Link to the Injury/News Page