PTO: [CBJ] F James Neal signs PTO with the Blue Jackets (Released)

[MMC]

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[Viqsi]

wait what

 

[YP44]

cause him and Johnny looked so dynamic together.

Honestly though routing for Neal, hope it works out.

 

[serp]

He had a good year in the AHL last season. Doubt he makes the Jackets but good for him still trying to get back into the big league.

 

[Brodeur]

wait what

It's just a PTO. There are veteran requirements for preseason games, so a having a guy like Neal might spare somebody from having to make an extra round trip flight.

In particular, it looks like Pittsburgh/Columbus have a split squad doubleheader to open preseason. I'd wager a donut that Neal would be on the squad that has to travel to Pittsburgh while most of the "A" team will get to stay home.

That's followed up by a back-to-back with the Sabres/Blues. I doubt you'd see many regulars dressed for both of those games.

 

[Bust]

I think this is a good depth signing for CBJ.

Guy can still put the puck in the net and is an a-hole on skates.

Add this to the list of solid off-season moves for the jackets.

 

[Buckleyy]

Makes me believe maybe something else bigger is happening?
Few rookies and a roster guy (nyquist) for kane maybe possible?
Need someone to replace to bottom 6 + someone to replace nyquist (kane)

 

[majormajor]

He won't make the Jackets roster, they were already 16F deep before the Texier news came. Neal won't beat a guy like Danforth in camp, Lars loves him. And Bemstrom and Foudy would need waivers. Perhaps this is just a favor to give Neal a showcase so he can sign elsewhere.

Edit: It's perhaps more likely that they want Neal as a mentor in Cleveland. I could see him teaching kids like Marchenko and Chinakhov a thing or two (two big-body shooters).

 

[Fight4yourRight]

I think this is a good depth signing for CBJ.

Guy can still put the puck in the net and is an a-hole on skates.

Add this to the list of solid off-season moves for the jackets.

It isn’t a signing.

 

[Bust]

It isn’t a signing.

He signed a PTO, did he not?

 

[Fight4yourRight]

He signed a PTO, did he not?

Yes, but the rest of your post framed it as though he had signed an actual contract to play in the regular season. For now it’s just a possibility, not a guarantee he’ll earn an NHL contract, as opposed to just playing a few preseason games.

 

[Buckleyy]

He signed a PTO, did he not?

It's just a tryout

 

[Brodeur]

Makes me believe maybe something else bigger is happening?
Few rookies and a roster guy (nyquist) for kane maybe possible?
Need someone to replace to bottom 6 + someone to replace nyquist (kane)

It's just a PTO. Sometimes I wonder if people expect your opening night roster to suit up in every preseason game. I'm pretty sure Johnny Gaudreau doesn't need to play every preseason game.

Columbus/Pittsburgh have a split squad doubleheader to start preseason. There's a CBA requirement where teams have to dress at least 8 "veterans" in every preseason game.

15.4 Exhibition Games.

(c) A Club shall be permitted to dress a minimum of eight (8) veterans for any Exhibition Game. For purposes of this Section 15.4(c), a veteran shall constitute either:

(1) a forward or defenseman who played in thirty (30) NHL Games during the previous season,

(2) a goaltender who either dressed in fifty (50) or more NHL Games or played in thirty (30) or more NHL Games in the previous season,

(3) a first round draft choice from the most recent year's Entry Draft, or

(4) any Player who has played one-hundred (100) or more career NHL Games.

Columbus has to field two rosters on the same day. It seems like a safe bet that Neal would be the "B" squad that gets sent to Pittsburgh.

Here's who counts as a "veteran" for Columbus:

(F-14): Gaudreau, Laine, Voracek, Nyquist, Roslovic, Jenner, Kuraly, Robinson, Danforth, Chinakhov, Sillinger, Bemstrom, Gaunce, Neal

(D-9): Werenski, Gudbranson, Gavrikov, Boqvist, Bean, Peeke, Bayreuther, Jiricek, Mateychuk

(G-2): Merzlikins, Korpisalo

Columbus has two games on 9/25 (PIT, at PIT) followed by games on 9/28 (BUF) and 9/29 (at STL). Maybe it seems trivial to come up with a roster to meet the 8 vet requirement, but I'd imagine they'd be resting most of the regulars for those road games.

 

[Rubi]

Johnny and Jimmy reunited. Success is guaranteed.

 

[Bust]

Yes, but the rest of your post framed it as though he had signed an actual contract to play in the regular season. For now it’s just a possibility, not a guarantee he’ll earn an NHL contract, as opposed to just playing a few preseason games.

I didn’t frame it as anything other than a smart depth move - which if he garners an AHL contact, would be a correct statement.

I mean the title is literally says “signs” right in it.

Not sure why you feel the need to argue semantics. It’s a smart, no risk play by CBJ. Is that better?

 

[Larry Hanson]

Neal was really disliked on the Flames, can't imagine Gaudreau will be impressed.

At this point Neal is pretty much useless anyway, I don't see the point.

 

[DFF]

Johnny gets the real deal

 

[Eggtimer]

I think this is a good depth signing for CBJ.

Guy can still put the puck in the net and is an a-hole on skates.

Add this to the list of solid off-season moves for the jackets.

He’s an Ahole off his skates apparently too.
He hasn’t signed yet, and likely won’t be signed.
Id consider this as more of a move like Jackets GM doing him a favour or someone with some pull got him a token tryout.

 

[seafoam]

AHLer.

 

[thethirdhockeyman91]

No longer the real deal.

 

[stevo61]

Everyone knows the cure to too many wingers is add more wingers. Must be looking to add some veterans to Cleveland

 

[jonmonohand]

James Neal is one of the worst hockey players I've ever seen.

And his fake ass white smile and entitled attitude make him 20x worse

Guys a total bumpkin!

 

[Kranix]

They obviously didn't consult Johnny Hockey on this one.

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

Hope he still has the wheels to play.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

he's so washed, i can't imagine he'll make the nhl club.