[djsFlames]

Neal definitely didn't have this welcome and reputation with the players, even when things were optimistic after the signing.

Seeing all this makes me feel that while the on ice difference might end up being marginal, we're adding a more involved team guy that our players share a mutual respect with, and when you're talking about a team aiming at winning, having that enthusiasm from Lucic as well as his physicality may be a win at the end of the day. I just never sensed that Neal was about the team, and when his scoring dried up I didn't see him looking to offer something else with his game. At least Lucic has another tool in his box when he's not collecting points. I did always respect his attitude when in the media, even through the rigors of losing in that toxic environment.

Yeah, Edmonton can have fun trying to resurrect some semblance of the real deal, I'm glad we turned the page.

One thing's for sure - they're not getting the player they're hoping for/anticipating with that lame "short offseason" excuse.