During the 2013 lockout, he skated with some of the Kings at their El Segundo practice rink. It was during the fall, so it might have dipped below 70 degrees, a tad different climate for a guy from Edmonton, Canada.
That's how the Phaneuf era begins with the Kings: with a warm outlook and a workman-like approach of a Western Canadian. Already in Pittsburgh after his trade Tuesday from the Ottawa Senators, Phaneuf practiced Wednesday with the Kings, ready for a restart and willing to throw his 6-foot-4, 225-pound body around. Call it a flank of Alberta beef on the Kings' blue line.