Phaneuf picked up a power-play assist Monday and in doing so stretched his current point streak to three games and four points, all assists.

EDGE Analysis

That's 15 points, including 13 assists, in 24 games this season. His shooting percentage (3.8 percent) is below his career mark (5.8 percent), so we expect Phaneuf to start scoring a few more goals. He last hit double-digits in goals in 2011-12 (12).

Phaneuf picked up another two points via assists in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Capitals. He now has 14 points in 23 games for one of his better offensive starts in recent,

EDGE Analysis

If he can stay healthy and continue to perform, Phaneuf can actually deliver about 40 points. And that's close to his best as a Leaf. He's a fine activation right now.

Phaneuf scored a goal and added an assist in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Rangers. The points were his first in five games.

EDGE Analysis

Don't look now, but Phaneuf is actually on a 50-point pace. Where the heck did that come from? He hasn't performed this well in close to a decade, so take full advantage.

Phaneuf will be playing on Toronto's first line in Tuesday night's contest against the Stars in Dallas, Paul Hendrick of Leafs TV reports.

EDGE Analysis

Phaneuf can now officially be considered as the starter for the tilt with the Stars. He is likely to play on the first powerplay unit as well.

Phaneuf (illness) took part in Tuesday's morning skate in preparation against Dallas, Mark Masters of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Phaneuf's participation Tuesday morning bodes well for his chances to play in Tuesday's match. However, his availability is uncertain and will be made clear as game time approaches.

Phaneuf came down with the flu but is traveling with the team on their road trip, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team didn't release any further update on his status, and although he was able to skate for 26:15 worth of ice time in Saturday's loss, it's possible the illness forces Phaneuf to miss Tuesday's contest against the Stars. There should be more clarity on the situation prior to puck drop Tuesday.

Phaneuf netted his first goal of the season in Friday's OT loss to the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

He has five points in his last seven games and is performing well despite his team's losses. Phaneuf is being deployed as a Number 3 defender and his game sure has grown as a result -- he's getting less ice and it's a huge benefit to his owners. He has nine points in 13 games.

Phaneuf picked up his eighth assist of the season in Wednesday's loss to Winnipeg. He has eight points in 12 games this season and that puts him a tie for the team lead in points.

EDGE Analysis

Phaneuf is being used effectively this season by coach Mike Babcock and it's paying off in spades. He doesn't have to line up against the opposition's best players, so the pressure is off and that gives him some time and space to actually deliver offence. And Phaneuf is delivering at a mid-50s pace. Yes, you read that right.

Phaneuf has quietly put up three points -- all assists -- in the Leafs' first three games.

EDGE Analysis

OK, so that snuck up on us. Coach Mike Babcock has been proclaiming that Dion will have the best season he's had in a long time, but we hadn't even noticed his output so far. Maybe that was because we also didn't notice the typical gaffes that exposed him in his own zone the last few seasons -- his ice time is lower, so he's playing within his game. We're holding our breath a little right now -- we don't want to jinx it by speaking too soon.

Phaneuf has been working hard this summer and his new coach Mike Babcock says the defender is "going to have the best year he's had in a long time," according to the Toronto Sun.

EDGE Analysis

Babcock is a big supporter of Phaneuf, a player he was eager to get to Detroit last season at the deadline. Part of Babcock's plan will be to give him a day off each week from dealing with the hoards of media that follow the team and making the dressing room a safe place for him, good game or not. "We're not leaving him hung out to dry, either on the ice, with the media or in town," continued Babcock, in an apparent slap to the previous regime. Phaneuf could return to the 40-point mark if he's deployed the right way and protected, just like the coach says. His fantasy relevance might just return this season.