From Nick Tylwalk,
Your Guide to Sports Cards.
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Defensemen who can make the big hit and score the big goal are a rarity in the NHL. The Calgary Flames found themselves one in Dion Phaneuf, and since he's also Canadian by birth, he's already become very popular with collectors in the North.

Phaneuf had been on the radar of hockey scout and fans well before he made his NHL debut. He was twice named to the CHL First All-Star Team while playing for the Red Deer Rebels, and was widely thought of as the top defensive prospect in the world when he concluded his junior hockey career in 2005.

Thus, it came as little surprise when Phaneuf made the Flames opening day roster for the 2005-06 season. He made an immediate offensive contribution, becoming just the third rookie defenseman in NHL history to net 20 goals.

Though he failed to make it back to that plateau since, Phaneuf elevated his overall scoring totals in each of his first three seasons. He's also shown he's not afraid to get his 6-foot-3 frame involved with the rough stuff, racking up 182 penalty minutes in 2007-08.

Phaneuf will never be the top dog in his rookie class of 2005-06 due to the presence of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, but he's got definite Norris Trophy potential and should easily remain among the most collected players at his position for years to come. His 18 rookie cards include several autographed issues, like his SP Authentic # 140 and his Ultimate Collection # 105.

Dion Phaneuf 2005-06 Rookie Cards

• Beehive # 114
• Black Diamond # 194
• Hot Prospects # 274 - autographed jersey card
• Parkhurst # 612
• SP Authentic # 140 - autographed, #'d to 999
• SP Game Used # 130 - #'d to 999
• SPx # 164 - autographed jersey card #'d to 1499
• The Cup # 178 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
• UD Artifacts # 205 - #'d to 750
• UD PowerPlay # 165
• Ultimate Collection # 105 - autographed, #'d to 399
• Ultra # 261
• Upper Deck # 203
• Upper Deck Ice # 109 - #'d to 999
• Upper Deck MVP # 404
• Upper Deck Rookie Update # 274 - #'d to 199
• Upper Deck Trilogy # 179 - #'d to 999
• Upper Deck Victory # 269