Dion Phaneuf returning to the Air Canada Center on Saturday will be an affair of mixed feelings.
The former Leafs' captain returns for the first time since he was traded to Ottawa less than a month ago, and it will be interesting to see the hometown crowd's reaction when they announce Phaneuf.
Phaneuf's new teammates are even having a little fun with their new teammate, as Senators players booed Phaneuf every time he touched the puck during the team’s morning skate on Saturday.
The 30-year-old was heavily scrutinized during his seven seasons in Toronto, and was the scapegoat for poor teams during his time with the Leafs.
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Everytime Dion Phaneuf touches the puck during the morning skate his teammates boo him. #Sens
Phaneuf is approaching the situation with dignity and knows that his new teammates are just having a laugh.
Phaneuf on being booed by teammates this morning: "Well, the guys, they were having fun with it & for me it makes it a little bit lighter."
He's also getting the business from his former teammates, as Leafs forward Nazem Kadri said he would try and show up his former captain.
Kadri on Phaneuf: "I told him I was going to try & dance him tonight & he said he was going to try & line me up if I did."
One thing is for sure, Phaneuf doesn't have a lack of motivation to have a great game in front of the fans that both welcomed and shunned him.
Images Courtesy of Keystone Press