Quote:
Originally Posted by topfiverecords
Tell Neal he better be in shape at camp, show some improvement in the first 15-20 games of the season while we explore trading you. Don't sell at the absolute lowest possible point for not even the lowest possible value, a player that also will negatively impact things on the ice.
If Neal wanted a trade, he can't expect that the GM will just jump at his wish and trade him for the worst contract in the league in mid July. He signed a 5 year deal. Toughen up princess. Play your 3rd line minutes when and where Peters tells you to and we'll trade you when we get a deal that makes sense.
If Peters and the rest of the team wanted Neal gone, they can't expect that the GM will just jump at their wish and send Neal away for the worst contract in the league. Sorry Johnny, but you'll have to have Neal on the bench a little while longer until we get a deal that makes sense.
If there was no other deal out there now, then sit on your hands. It's not like Lucic was going anywhere, and this deal would still be there for the next 3 years.
The brainthrust wanted to get tougher is another issue, because perhaps they tried to keep Hathaway and he wouldn't stay, or perhaps they've tried to acquire other players and it hasn't panned out, but it's only July. I can't believe there is no one out there that's attainable, either a vet or not, that can offer toughness for less than a buyout/trade proof $5.25M x 4, so Lucic becomes your target.
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Sure, in a vacuum what you’re saying makes sense. But what if you told Neal to “suck it up and play your 3rd mine minutes” and he’s like “screw that, I have a guaranteed contract, I’ll just continue with my don’t give a #### attitude.”
You really want a guy like that on the roster? What kind of return on a trade are you going to get for an underperforming, grumpy player that’s already weeks into the season? And sure you could waive or buy him out but then you’re losing him for nothing. At least Lucic, while overpaid, fills a need here.