Vegas Golden Knights: A Team Of Outcasts
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James Neal
The second Alternate Captain for the Knights, Neal was left unprotected by the Nashville Predators. Neal is well traveled, having made stops in Dallas and Pittsburgh before being traded to Nashville. Neal signed a two-year contract extension with Dallas in September 210, and was then traded to Pittsburgh just prior to the 2011 trade deadline.
With the Penguins, Neal had a huge season in 2011-12, finishing with 40 goals and 41 assists. The 2014 entry draft saw the Pens trade Neal to the Predators, where he set a franchise record with a plus/minus of +27 in the 2015-16 season.
He has been huge for the Golden Knights. There were rumors they were considering trading Neal, but they decided to take their chances. The Golden Knights have a number of free agents to worry about, but he should be one of their top priorities.