Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadaMatt
My guess is that folks who had hoped Neal could rebound are disappointed that BT essentially gave up on him. I imagine these posters are concerned that BT sold Neal at the lowest possible point (in terms of value).
There have been a number of Neal-for-Lucic trade suggestions over the course of the 2018/2019 season...none of these suggestions were met with a particularly positive response, even when a 1st round pick was thrown in.
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I still think there is a good chance that Neal rebounds. One bad season isn't the best way to judge a player's overall ability, so yeah, that part of the deal bugs me.
But I also think Lucic brings a needed element to the Flames. As long as the move is a net positive, then I am happy. If it helps the Oilers too, that is unfortunate I guess but nothing we can worry about.
The whole NMC thing is something not even worth worrying about at this point IMO. Lucic seems like a team player and he knows the implications if he makes the Flames use a protection slot on him. No one wants to be the reason the team has to say good-bye to a good young player if there is no realistic chance you get selected in the expansion draft anyway. That would just be a dick move. It would put a cloud over him for the rest of his tenure.