Flames, Oilers Have Nothing to Lose In Lucic for Neal Trade
The battle of Alberta took on an interesting twist as long-time rivals, the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, agreed to swap a pair of underperforming players.
Milan Lucic and James Neal were traded for each other after enduring what could be the worst year of their careers in the 2018-19 season. For both the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, it is a move with nothing to lose. Lucic has simply not fit in after three seasons in Edmonton while Neal’s only year in Calgary will go down as one to forget.
As part of the deal, Calgary will receive a conditional 2020 third-round draft pick (depending on if Neal outscores Lucic by 10 goals) while Edmonton also retains 12.5% of Lucic’s remaining contract, resulting in a $750K cap hit for the Oilers over the next four seasons.
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The trade provides a fresh start for both players with their new clubs as neither player were earning their expensive cap hit. By swapping the two wingers, both teams at least provide a situation where their new player should arrive without as much scrutiny surrounding them over the big money contracts they signed with their former clubs.
In theory, the move could also help address a need for both clubs. The Oilers have been looking for secondary scoring for years. Meanwhile, the Flames proved in their early first-round playoff exit they must become a tougher team to play against.
Neal has scored 20 goals or more in 10 of his 12 seasons in the NHL. Although his only year in Calgary was a disaster, he’s only a season removed from an electrifying year with the Vegas Golden Knights. Neal is also only two seasons removed from being a key piece that helped the Nashville Predators reach the Stanley Cup Final.
If he is able to find chemistry on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers may have finally found dependable second-line scoring to support Connor McDavid.
As for Lucic, he’s now entering a situation that is likely much better suited for his game as a bottom-six forward capable of occasionally moving up in the lineup. The big contract Lucic signed with Edmonton came with too much criticism. He was being paid as a top-six forward on a team desperately needing offensive support behind McDavid.
Calgary is a deeper team than the Oilers, therefore Lucic won’t be needed to consistently provide offense. Instead, he’ll be able to provide additional muscle to back up Matthew Tkachuk and even more important, protect Johnny Gaudreau from any teams attempting to take liberties with the smaller winger.
Flames fans love their hardworking grinders and if Lucic is able to be a key workhorse on the third line, he could significantly contribute in Calgary.
dark. Next. Each NHL Team's Worst Contract
It’s a move neither team has anything to lose as salary and term is virtually the same but from the outside looking in, it could be a move that helps each player find a much better fit on their new club.