Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
There is another big difference between Neal and Lucic (and I am not trying to make excuses here, just stating a fact):
The Oilers have no depth and no secondary scoring. They NEED to make major changes. But they can't because they have no cap space (thanks, in large part, to Lucic).
Conversely, the Flames are deep at forward, and are a top team in scoring. So, even though Neal is currently in a similar boat to Lucic, it isn't hurting the team, and they can be patient in trying to get him back on track. They can put him on the 3rd line where it isn't having a huge effect on production.
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Lucic’s contract is also essentially as secure as they come in the NHL in terms of pay structure and the NMC.
Neal can at least be bought out or sent to Stockton depending on when Treliving loses patience. The optics for the GM admitting a massive costly mistake also come into play here. Treliving will give Neal every undeserved chance to turn things around which is why guys like Frolik are upset