Dion Phaneuf

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf checks Washington's Alex Ovechkin.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings are trying to acquire an impact defenseman as today's 3 p.m. trade deadline approaches.

Dion Phaneuf could be that player, but only if the Red Wings can get the Toronto Maple Leafs to assume a chunk of his $7 million salary cap hit.

The Red Wings and Maple Leafs continue to discuss the potential move. Detroit is trying to get the cap hit down to $5 million.

Phaneuf, who turns 30 on April 10, has six years remaining on the seven-year, $49 million contract he signed midway through last season.

Phaneuf, a left-handed shooter, has a tremendous point shot and would provide a physical element with his 6-foot-3, 214-pound frame.

If the Red Wings can't get Phaneuf, they might opt for a lesser deal for New Jersey's Marek Zidlicky, a right-handed shooting power-play specialist who's in the final year of his contract.

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