[ComixZone]

In the end, we dumped a player that did not fit and brought in a player that fit a need. We save $500K per year while adding no term. “Well, it’s buyout proof” - well maybe we weren’t going to buyout Neal, ever. If a buyout wasn’t in the plan, then it’s a moo point.

I’ll always cheer for the team. I cheered on Neal and wanted him to hit his stride here, but ultimately that guy was an absolute waste of ice on the Flames. He contributed nothing, he sunk his linemates, and the only chance of him bouncing back was if he were to be gifted unearned minutes with our top players. Mangiapane, Bennett, Jankowski, and Ryan all deserve a bump up the lineup well before Neal did - so I’m happy to see him gone. Useless player on the 3rd line.

Reflecting on Neal, he’s always been an Oiler. Can’t win the big game, chokes under pressure, pouts after being pushed down the lineup. He is where he belongs, and that’s right alongside other Flames castaways in Edmonton, where he may score more goals, but he’s not going to improve his line mates.

Advanced stats also generally seem weighted in Lucic’s favour, and that’s no small thing - especially when we’re talking about a depth player who needs to help push the play North, not float around the ice trying to cherry pick opportunities while ultimately hurting his line mates.