from David Amber at ESPN,

Keep your head up, or you might meet Dion Phaneuf the hard way.

The 22-year old All-Star is geared up for a big game in Atlanta, where his bullet-like shot was on display. In this week’s Facing Off, the league’s hardest hitter tells us what it’s like playing for his hometown’s archrival, why he may be the most feared player in the game and who he thinks is the team to beat this season in the NHL….

Q: Mike Richards just signed a 12-year $69-million deal with Philadelphia. You will become a restricted free agent on July 1. What dialogue have you had with the Flames about signing a contract extension?

A: Can’t comment on that. We’ve haven’t been talking yet. As far as the deal Mike signed, I think it’s a great deal. Some guys are going to the longer-term deal, some guys prefer a shorter deal. It’s really up to the player and the team to work it out, and hopefully both sides can be happy.

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