This is actually a good thing. Gives the Leafs a chance to gauge their line-up with Phaneuf removed to consider future possibilities.
In an off-season makeover, he will likely be the first to go.
Makes sense for at least three reasons 1) shed cap space on overpaid player 2) miscast as captain from the beginning 3) with him, Rielly and Gardiner all being left handed shots and all powerplay guys, Phaneuf was pushing them both down the depth chart in minutes and on the powerplay. Let them play more and develop.
The fact that they are replacing Phaneuf with Granberg and not Percy shows they are looking to add some grit. This will actually be an interesting stretch of games to watch with Phaneuf out of the line-up. They'll probably go on a winning streak...