Fresh off of being named the WHL's Top Defenseman in back-to-back seasons, Dion Phaneuf brought the same blend of offensive skills and defensive aggression to the NHL when he came into the league. The much maligned D-man had a lengthy career playing for a variety of teams and solidified himself as a solid blue liner.
On October 10, 2005, Phaneuf recorded both his first goal and first assist in a 2-point effort in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. A month later he was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month, leading all rookie d-men with nine points and 2 GWGs. If it wasn't for Sid and Ovi, Dion may have been a prime candidate for Rookie of the Year.
