Ongoing thread for Neal/Lucic discussion

[sureLoss]

Ryan Rishaug @TSNRyanRishaug
Deal is still being fine tuned, paperwork getting done based on NMC, but should be finalized shortly.

[Dube]

I have the weirdest boner

[getbak]

Congrats to Austin Czarnik on the new Rolex he'll be getting.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

lol. Milan Lucic is not an NHL calibre player. Literally the only reasons he's still in the league are his contract and the fact that the Oilers don't even have 12 NHL calibre forwards.

It's mind boggling if we think Lucic is going to add anything of value here.

Lucic is better than Neal.

[Toonage]

Just want to nominate Jason Gregor for worst insider.

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

Who cares about actual cost it isn't my money, all that matters is cap hit.

The Flames do. And so does every other team except New York and Toronto. So it makes it easier to pull a Marleau-like trade and trade Lucic than it would Neal for buyout purposes.

It also means 7M they save to spend on other UFAs, or scouting, or trainers or coaches. It doesn't magically vanish (although probably most ends up back in Edwards pockets).

[Ashasx]

Pinder seems to be under the impression that the NMC does not become void once waived by the player.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1152303802625798146

[keenan87]

Honestly, I am kind of glad we have a psychopath on the team who would crush anyone who tries anything funny on Gaudreau.

[bluck]

People saying you hate this trade... give your head a shake. Oilers retained salary, neal is slow as all hell and Lucic fills a need so desperately! We have zero toughness on this team. Do you all want Tkachuck and Bennett being the ones who has to stand up for every single person on this team? The loss of Engelland really hurt and you can see it. Lucic is an awesome fit as a deterrent on this team and a fresh start will do him well. Reaves. Ferland, Lucic that's how I see it. Enjoy your weekend.

[RedHawk12]

I'd be ok with this if the details are:
1. Lucic fully waives his NMC
2. Oilers retain 50%
3. Conditional 1st round pick (lottery protected only)

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Here's my "try to make this palatable" take:

a. No NMC plus less salary might make Lucic tradable - more than Neal at this point.
b. The NMC also makes Lucic buriable going forward. So maybe this is a pure cap space issue. Maybe makes Tkahcuk an easier signing.
c. It does address toughness I guess.
d. I got nothing else.

Lucic can punch Smith is the face again I guess.

[Mayo]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Lucic is better than Neal.

Neal had 1 bad year - I hope you're right but that's not a fact

[Johnny Makarov]

I like it! Lucic is the poor mans Ferland......

[PeteMoss]

Wow.. pretty fierce over-reaction here. Lucic at least adds toughness. They are both done as anything more than 4th liners.

[FlamesAreOne]

Originally Posted by FlamesAreOne

Months ago when I said people would be pissed about a trade that almost happened involving two disappointing vets from a divisional rival... this was it.

https://forum.calgarypuck.com/showth...65#post7001965

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Lucic is better than Neal.

I would actually agree, especially if you add 'on the Flames.'

Neal was a train wreck for the Flames this past season. Zero reason to think he won't be a train wreck next season.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by AC

Rumour yesterday was only 10% retention. Makes him cheaper than Neal, but not by much.

Naturally. The Oilers are capped out. They can't retain the 50% they should AND take on Neal's contract.

It's one to he bigger reasons why this is so stupid.

[Flash Walken]

Treliving loves goons.

[VilleN]

It's cap management. My guess is that Tre hasn't been able to get the return he wants for Frolik, so he gets rid of the Neal contract for lets say a 3-4m Lucic contract, cap savings of 1.5-2m. With the NMC gone and a lower cap hit Lucic is actually tradeable... wouldn't be surprised to see him moved before the summer is done.

Edit: didn't think about Oilers cap situation... this may actually just be a #### trade. I hope Tre has something else cooking though.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Moneyhands23

Thats the #### part. Neal will prob have a 45-55 pt season

Neal and McDavid is a huge mismatch. McDavid plays a speed game. Neal does best off of good passing and puck control. Neal will still be at his own blue line when McDavid gets to the net.