[Signing] Flames sign James Neal (5 years, 5.75 AAV)

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I think this contract will be a problem in the last 2 seasons, but the compliance buyouts that will be granted after the next lockout will deal with that.

I can live with this, I just hope Neal doesn't continue to slide as he has been.

He'll have a few of his best seasons statistically during that contract with our lineup.

Flames now have balanced scoring, great defense, depth everywhere and a solid goalie. I wish it could have happened sooner but give BT credit. He backed up his betting on potential moves with some proven performers.

If they get deep into the playoffs the first three years, and the cap keeps rising I think it will be a small problem well worth the upside.

I still think our coach is crap until he proves otherwise. This lineup with AV would be dynamite.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I think this contract will be a problem in the last 2 seasons, but the compliance buyouts that will be granted after the next lockout will deal with that.

I can live with this, I just hope Neal doesn't continue to slide as he has been.

[topfiverecords]

Lucic $6M
Neal $5.75

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

If you think being that lukewarm about this signing is being a debbie downer, then I don't know what to say.

[CsInMyBlood]

This is surprising news.

Finally fills that top line winger issue, but it is a huge commitment. Like it more than bringing that Maroon in for a comparable contract, I know that much.

A lot of money is hitting the books here this off season, going to be interesting to see what happens going forward.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

If you think being that lukewarm about this signing is being a debbie downer, then I don't know what to say.

Challenge accepted.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Can't recall the line usage, but his last year in Nashville had Forsberg, Johansen, Arvidsson on the team.

Love the signing.

Neal was used frequently on the second line in Nashville once arvidsson, Johansen, Forsberg were put together. He did see a decent amount of first unit pp time though.... Would hope the Flames see him as a very good second line player as well as he's had a lot of success in that role.

Fans will be disappointed if they think he's a true top line player though. Tkachuk will be a much better choice in my opinion.

[oldschoolcalgary]

if Neal had a NMC in the contract, then i'd be more concerned.

the fact he doesn't means calgary can trade him any time they want to...

Hopefully, they won't have to, but he's not an anchor like that Lucic contract because of that.

[Timbo]

My main concern is can he stay healthy?

[sempuki]

Neal has worn an A on back to back Stanley Cup final teams. Even if he's no longer 30 goal scorer he can and should be wearing an A here -- at least as often as Brouwer did before.

[bigrangy]

On a team where pretty much everyone had a career season, it's a little concerning the Neal's production was so modest, but his goal scoring rates are still elite and his 5v5 play is still very solid.

If he can stay around 1 goal per 60 at 5v5 while contributing elsewhere as well I think this will end up pretty good, at least for 3-4 years.

Playing with Gaudreau or Tkachuk maybe he can get back to his form while in Pittsburgh.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by transplant99

OK now that Duha has weighed in on this...and to this kind of degree, Im stoked.

The man knows the game and moreso, knows the players in the game. If he says this is the right piece for Calgary, I dont think there is anyone else who I would believe more.

Management has to sell their signings, Duha does not.

Absolutely awesome to read that from him.

Great Read. I was optimistic about the signing before reading that. Now I'm 100% on board with the signing.

Neal or Backlund MUST get Brouwers A next season.

[Point Blank]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Honestly I agree with Ashasx and I think his response is fair and measured. Not everyone has to respond in jubilation and I don’t think it’s very fair to label him a downer because of it.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

If you think being that lukewarm about this signing is being a debbie downer, then I don't know what to say.

I think it was less about you being "that lukewarm" and more about this:

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I can live with this, I just hope Neal doesn't continue to slide as he has been.

[JurassicTunga12]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1013842691413557249

[AC]

	GP	G/Gm	A/Gm	Pts/G	$$$
Neal	703	0.37	0.33	0.70	5.75M
JVR	609	0.33	0.32	0.65	7M

[camm13]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Much as people will be annoyed by shiny new toy Lindholm as a 3C instead of a top 6 wing, I like this better than most of what's been posted. I don't like messing with 3M at the start of the season. I would be fine with Jankowski in Bennett's spot, though, or even at C with Lindholm on the right wing.

Except 3M didn't even look good for the second half of last season. Frolik needs to move down to the 3rd line.

[GGG]

Can we get descent poll options.

Adding things like worried about term completely ruin any ability to interpret the poll. All polls should be some variation of a scale from strongly like to strongly dislike with neutral in the middle. By adding extraneous reasons to some of the options you skew the results.

What if I don't like the cap hit but like the deal? Now I don't have an option to the choice. And what is wait and see? Everyone is going to wait and see, a poll can only measure immediate reaction. It is the same as neutral as if you are unsure in what you believe will happen you will be neutral and want to wait and see. You might as well go full Sun and go with Fire, keep, give him a raise. The comments rather than the poll options should explain the why. The poll should just answer the question.

/end rant.

I love this deal. Our team is built around the Gio/Gaudreau window. We may or may not have the horses to win in the window but the plan is clearly there and the moves being done make sense to execute the plan.

[Textcritic]

I don't see any reason not to expect three +30-goal-scorers on the roster this year, and I still think Monahan scores 40. The addition of James Neal makes that all the more likely.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Samonadreau

Great Read. I was optimistic about the signing before reading that. Now I'm 100% on board with the signing.

Neal or Backlund MUST get Brouwers A next season.

The only thing he got wrong was that Vegas didn't want a five year term. Neal turned down a 5 year contract for 5m per season from Vegas.