Quote:
Originally Posted by stang
It’s been widely reported that his physical and mental state coming into last year was poor due to 2 back to back cup final losses. This year he’s been training with Connor under Roberts.
I’m more thinking he’s going to be good with Nuge, and on the PP
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The thing is, Neal can’t play defence. Nuge matches up against other teams top lines. So essentially he is not good enough defensively to play on second line, not quick enough to play on first line. That put him out of the top 6, even on the Oilers.
I was shocked when I heard the trade, but reading here and taking some time to process I understand it. Not saying it is a great trade, but Neal had to go.
The best thing that can happen (for us) in Edmonton is Neal is slotted as a top 6, where he doesn’t belong. He can put up some points with McD, but will be an anchor on any top 6 in the league.
Lucic will be interesting to watch in Calgary. Playing in bottom 6 he can work the boards and hit better then Neal. It IS an upgrade on our bottom 6.
The only negative is the contract, and the fact we can’t buy it out if it doesn’t work out.