Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
We could honestly give all the time in world for Neal to play with certain linemates for consistency purposes, but the lack of chemistry is just so evident that I don't think it'll help. Haula and Perron helped cover up Neal's shortcomings because they like having the puck on their sticks and can draw defenders and make plays whereas Neal seems to struggle when the puck is on his stick and he's pressured to make a play.
I don't personally think scratching Neal will help either because I don't think it's effort that's keeping him from scoring. Even in games where he's clearly engaged and skating near or at his best, he still can't score or look consistently dangerous. It's clearly a fit problem and I'd honestly be looking at all avenues for a trade.
There's no way a proud veteran sniper like Neal could possibly be happy in this current situation. I bet he'd welcome a trade or even demand one once the fans start to really get on him. We're happy now since we're winning, but the fanbase also turned on Troy Brouwer really quickly and as improbable as it is, Neal's contract looks to be even worse.
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The only way Neal's contract is able to be moved is if the Flames take an equally bad contract back, which appear to be very few a far between thanks to the duration. Treliving will probably have to hope that the current CBA gets trashed in 2020 and he can use a compliance buyout on Neal