Coach Dave Cameron praised Phaneuf's leadership, stating that he's just as much of a coach as a top-four defenseman, Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Phaneuf has gone pointless in seven straight outings, it's clear that Cameron respects the blueliner and sees more than his production rate. The 30-year-old is bringing an element to the Senators that they may not have had before the trade, which will bode well for the youngsters on the team above all. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, they're not so concerned about development and want to see numbers, and the 2003 first-round pick only has eight points as a member of the Sens. Phaneuf will break out of the slump eventually, but inconsistent production leaves owners wanting more from the veteran.