DETROIT -- TSN's Darren Dreger reports that Detroit is one of three teams that are in on Dion Phaneuf.

Leafs with largest potential to make a deadline day splash. Told Detroit among 3 teams most interested in Dion Phaneuf. Just talk thus far.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 2, 2015

Dion Phaneuf's contract is ugly, plain and simple. The only way I can accept him coming here is if we are unloading cap space (reports state Jakub Kindl and Stephen Weiss are in play) and/or Toronto eats up to $2 million of his cap-hit. Does he make Detroit a better team? Maybe. Not as a top-pair guy. I do think the Leafs have dwindled his value down over the past couple of years. Most people consider him a pylon, but what would a guy like Phaneuf look under Mike Babcock's system? I'm open to the idea, as long as Detroit isn't shipping out any big assets for it. If Toronto retains salary, there is a good chance that Detroit adds something to the mix.

UPDATES:

Here's a thing. pic.twitter.com/5diZw0nbHN

— Kyle M (@KyleWIIM) March 2, 2015

Hmmm...

Talks are continuing between Toronto and Detroit on a Dion Phaneuf deal. #tradecentre

— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) March 2, 2015

#mapleleafs Dion Phaneuf has a list of 12 teams where he would agreed to be traded. #transaction2015

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) March 2, 2015

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As of now, Detroit has decided that the asking price for Phaneuf is too high. Lines of communication are still open, but nothing close.</p>&mdash; Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMillerTSN/status/572429825799036929">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>

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