Bodog Beat

Dion Phaneuf has signed a six-year contract extension with the Calgary Flames. (AP Images)

The Calgary Flames knew they had a good one when they drafted punishing defenseman Dion Phaneuf. After a few years in the NHL, they knew they had a great one.

Refusing to allow the Canadian blueliner to even entertain the notion of leaving Calgary, the Flames signed the 22-year-old to a six-year contract on Wednesday. In keeping with club policies, financial details were not disclosed to the public – although widespread speculation figures the deal is worth roughly $6.5 million per season.

Phaneuf is in his third season with the Flames and recently made his first All-Star appearance, representing the Western Conference in Atlanta. The Edmonton native currently sits eighth amonst NHL D-Men with 35 points, and fifth in average ice with with just a shade over 26 minutes played per evening.

Calgary now has a nucleus of Phaneuf, goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff, defenseman Robyn Regehr and captain Jarome Iginla through the 2012-13 campaign. They'll be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

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