Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Yeah, Neal seems the better bet for a rebound. AND a buyout is more of an option for him. That's why the Flames should have received more for making this trade (the 3rd not be conditional for instance)
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Yep this is my issue. It's almost like Holland just sat back and Treliving got desperate accepting what is basically a one for one swap with the Oilers retaining some salary. Holland was desperate to move that contract and Treliving should have stood firm as there should have been at the very least a 2nd round pick coming back. Neal is working out with Gary Roberts and will report to the Oilers in the best shape of his life and while that doesn't guarantee anything it's easy to see that his chances after just one bad season are much higher of rebounding than Lucic who has flatlined. I just don't get why after just one year Treliving couldn't wait another season to see if Neal could bounce back before taking in Lucic's contract. If he doesn't then they can make this deal next summer. I just don't understand the desperation here to do it this offseason as it reminds me of Darryl Sutter trading Phaneuf for a bunch of middling players rather than shopping him around the league for the best return possible like he woke up and had to trade Phaneuf that day. Seems like in Treliving's mind he had to trade Neal at all costs this offseason and this is the result.