Dion Phaneuf will move to the left side of the ice for the upcoming season, Mark Masters of TSN reports.

Phaneuf will move to the left side of the ice for the upcoming season, Mark Masters of TSN reports.

Analysis:

Given Phaneuf's standing as a left-handed puck handler, the move across the ice should actually prove beneficial for the veteran blueliner, whose defensive prowess has slipped as he's aged. In addition to transitioning to the left side, Phaneuf also figures to see more relief with the offseason additions of Roman Polak and Stephane Robidas, who should help preserve the 29-year-old for the rigors of an 82-game season. Even if Phaneuf notices a reduction in minutes, he should still offer 30-to-40-point potential to go along with a bevy of hits, blocks and penalty minutes.