Ongoing thread for Neal/Lucic discussion

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by FlamesAreOne

I get the initial freak out, but this is going to help a lot in terms of what goes on behind closed doors. I've spoken with a couple contacts and they couldn't be happier that Neal and Smith are in EDM and not our problem.

This sounds accurate based on my no knowledge judgment of interviews and on ice appearance.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

10% retention seems set in stone by now, anyone have a guess what the pick/conditions look like?

We lose the pick if we flip Lucic elsewhere maybe?

[Isbrant]

not sure if it has been asked yet, what does the buyout look like for Edmonton and Calgary if Calgary buys out Lucic?

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

10% retention seems set in stone by now, anyone have a guess what the pick/conditions look like?

My guess is a 3rd, becomes a 2nd if Neal scores 35+ points

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I think it's a win.

Who asked you for your ####ing opinion ####ing Flash Walken! The deal still ####ing sucks!

[Heavy Jack]

Still need to let it sink in but I’m coming around to the thought of 240 + hits a season Lucic playing with 120 + hits a season Bennett... would have really liked Puljujarvi to be a part of the trade though...

[Nelson]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The advanced and counting stats aren't actually that far apart for these two over the last two seasons.

If you look at the last two seasons at 5v5:

Counting Stats:

Neal:
GP: 134
G: 22
A: 20
P: 42
Shots: 264
Shooting Percentage: 8.33%
Hits: 88

Lucic:
GP: 161
G: 11
A: 28
P: 39
Shots: 185
Shooting Percentage: 5.95%
Hits: 492

That's actually way closer than I thought it would be. Neal the better goal scorer but not as good of a distributor, and doesn't play physical Anymore. Lucic's shot seems to have dissapeared but he can still hit.

Advanced Stats:

Neal:
CF%: 50.5%
CF%: -1.76%
HDCF%: 47.4%
GF%: 46.4%
xGF%: 48.1%
xGF% Rel: -4.69%
PDO: .992
Offensive Zone Start: 59.5%

Lucic
CF%: 50.9%
CF% Rel:2.09%
HDCF%: 50.8%
GF%: 47.1%
xGF%: 51.2%
XGF% Rel: 2.3%
PDO: .992
Offensive Zone Start: 49.8%

From an advanced stat perspective Lucic has actually been much better than Neal over the last two seasons. Better from a raw number perspective, better from a relative to teammates perspective, and did it with tougher zone starts.

Thanks for posting this. The numbers are actually very interesting. I really want to hear Treliving's honest explanation for this trade.

[Robo]

I always hated playing against lucic kinda glad he is on our team now makes the team heavier and harder to play against and makes the Oilers softer

[Hemi-Cuda]

Well I had zero interest in watching the Flames next year from a hockey standpoint, but now at least there will be some interesting drama to watch in the next BOA

[Dan403]

Originally Posted by Nelson

Thanks for posting this. The numbers are actually very interesting. I really want to hear Treliving's honest explanation for this trade.

I really want to hear about the pick and the retention.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

Well I had zero interest in watching the Flames next year from a hockey standpoint, but now at least there will be some interesting drama to watch in the next BOA

The team has the best season in like 20 years and you are not interested in watching again next year?

What is wrong with some of you lol, why do you even exist here.

[Rubicant]

Ugh... the trade is one for one...

[1qqaaz]

If Lucic can give an honest effort and be better in Calgary than he was in Edmonton, then I will like him as a player.
Sometimes you have to move past the contract.

I don't like the trade because of his term, but what can you do.

[direwolf]

I had to read the thread title a couple of times to believe what I was seeing. Was Treliving drunk when he made this deal? WTF??

[The Boy Wonder]

Neal and Lucic both suck... this deal probably won't move the needle one way or the other.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Not sure about the alluded to locker room issues and that angle, but first reaction to this isn’t super positive.

Lucic will help the needed grit, much much more so than Neal. But we need grit that can play. When I look at the two players I feel it’s much more likely Neal rebounds than Lucic. In fact I think Lucic is kind of done, where as I think Neal likely just had an off year last year and will return to form (especially with McD).

Like always I doubt BT is done, and I’ll wait to see the sun if parts this offseason, but in isolation not loving this move.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by bigrangy

Lucic is better than Neal of last year, but Neal should be better than Neal of last year.

Hopefully the conditions and the retention are favorable but this probably won’t move the needle for the Flames.

Not a long list of players who turn around their decline at James Neal's age. When its gone, its gone.

[TheIronMaiden]

I would like more details before I make any conclusions.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

Well I had zero interest in watching the Flames next year from a hockey standpoint, but now at least there will be some interesting drama to watch in the next BOA

That has to be the most confusing thing I've read today, and I got news of a Neal for Lucic swap.

They just came off of a 2nd place finish, a big stumble in the playoffs, a Norris caliber season from their captain, and career years from most of their core. I can't wait to see what they can do, from a hockey standpoint, next season.

[DuffMan]

Is today April 1st?