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NHL Free Agency 2018: Calgary Flames to sign James Neal

By Dave Stevenson

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 16: James Neal #18 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates on the ice during a stop in play in the third period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena on March 16, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wild won 4-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 16: James Neal #18 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates on the ice during a stop in play in the third period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena on March 16, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wild won 4-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Calgary Flames are reportedly going to sign James Neal in NHL free agency

The Calgary Flames have already undergone a number of changes. They recently hired former Carolina Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters. Moreover, the Flames traded defenseman Dougie Hamilton, forward Micheal Ferland and prospect Adam Fox to the Hurricanes for Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm. Now, they’re about to make a huge splash in NHL free agency by signing James Neal.

This deal, according to Bob McKenzie, is reported to be for five years and will be worth about $5.75 million annually. Neal is coming off an impressive year for the Vegas Golden Knights. He scored 25 goals and put up 44 points while helping the expansion team make the Stanley Cup Final.

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During the postseason, Neal posted six goals and five assists for 11 points in 20 games. Short-term, he gives the Flames a much-needed finisher. Calgary had terrific possession metrics last season but failed to score goals. Their 218 goals ranked 26th in the NHL. Neal should help address that issue.

He has been one of the NHL’s most consistent goal scorers since entering the league in 2008. Neal has at least 20 goals in each of his 10 seasons. He has reached the 30 goal plateau twice and the 40 goal plateau once.

That said, Neal is a bit of a questionable signing. First of all, the Flames still have to get something worked out with Lindholm, Brent Kulak, and Hanifin, both of whom are restricted free agents.

If Neal signs for $5.75 million, this leaves Calgary with just over $13 million to sign the trio. They might also want to add a backup goalie too.

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Secondly, Neal doesn’t solve the large issue at hand for the Flames – their lack of right wing depth. Even with Lindholm, Calgary lacks skill on the right side. Sure, Neal is pretty good, but he’s left-handed. Five years seems to be a bit too much for him as well, as he turns 31 in September.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our Free Agency hub page and our Free Agent Tracker.

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