[djsFlames]

Neal would have to approach his game quite radically different than he did last season to suddenly become a contributing factor worthy of slotting into the top 6.

There was no signs there all year of a guy that could contribute on a nightly basis, outside of that one week in march when he mustered a bit more determination for a few games and decided to use his body.

Half of his handful of goals were even weird ones or flubs, where he didn't get a clean shot off. Not the way of a goalscorer.

Can he do it? Sure. But it'll take a different mindset, and probably an improved fitness level to help offset how he's slowed down with age. Does he love the game enough still, and want it enough to do it? Not sure.