Leafs’ Phaneuf avoids scare in collision with Kadri

Dion-Phaneuf

Now we can truly label this a rebuild for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The salary cap implications of Tuesday’s massive Dion Phaneuf trade with Ottawa are significant, and bring the window for when the Leafs should be in an optimal position to start spending money on talent more clearly into focus.

TORONTO — Dion Phaneuf returned to the Maple Leafs’ game against the Sabres at the start of the third period after suffering an apparent right leg injury.

Late in the second period, Phaneuf took the brunt of a hit from Buffalo forward Marcus Foligno on Nazem Kadri.

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Kadri fell into Phaneuf’s right leg, and the Leafs’ captain went immediately to the bench putting no weight on his right leg.

Phaneuf was in distress on the bench and went down the tunnel for medical attention.

Foligno was given a kneeing penalty on the play, and Tyler Bozak scored on the ensuing power play.

Phaneuf was one of the final Leafs players out after intermission, but took the first shift of the third period.

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