Flames sign Phaneuf to extension

Feb 6, 2008 - 8:01 PM CALGARY, Alberta (Ticker) -- The Calgary Flames locked up their young defensive leader Wednesday, signing All-Star Dion Phaneuf to a six-year contract extension.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed for Phaneuf, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, the 22-year-old Phaneuf is in his third season with the Flames after being selected ninth overall in the 2003 draft.

"It remains very important for us to lock up our key young players," Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said. "Our goal with Dion was to provide an arrangement that will allow him to take his game to the next level."

Phaneuf has seven goals and 26 assists this season in 53 games. Known as one of the big hitters in the league, Phanuef was named to the Western Conference's starting lineup for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta.

For his career Phaneuf has appreared in 215 games, tallying 46 goals and 88 assists.

"I'm excited about the prospect of playing another six years in Calgary," Phaneuf said. "In fact, I never thought I would be playing anywhere else. I am proud to be a member of this organization and will continue to concentrate on the job at hand - making and advancing in the playoffs this year and for years to come."