Yeah, he was a gamer. Will be missed. But he's been hurt quite a bit in the last two years and that's not going to improve with age. I totally get why GMGM passed.
He's more like a 25 goal, 46 point forward who plays 71 games a year and doesn't bring you much else at this point. That's what you can feel comfortable expecting. At least for the next 2-3 years, after that not sure.
He also gets that many points by being put in many advantageous positions.
I really think Tatar could give us those 46 points if given the opportunities Neal was given and he's a little cheaper, younger, does more outside of points, has played at least 80 games more often and is signed for less years.
Not sure if Haula is willing to give him a second line spot without a fist-fight, if you know what I mean eheehee!
Neal's game isn't going to age well. Glad Vegas let him and Perron go. Need to keep moving forward and not getting too sentimentally attached to declining players. *Looking at you, Reaves*
When the speed goes, so does the space. Happens with every "just fast enough" sniper in the league.All Neal needs is space. He's got quick silky mitts. I still can't believe the open net goal he missed in game 4 finals. He's tough to take the puck from too. Speed in open ice and bad stick discipline is what gets him in trouble sometimes.
He was one of my favorite VGK players. Seemed like he could always score the timely goal when we needed it most. Best of luck to the Real Deal in Calgary!
He was one of my least favorite stars of the team, to be completely honest.You watch guys like the first line, Haula, Shea, give it everything they've got every second on the ice, and he seemed to just be kind of there sometimes, especially in the defensive zone. His skills got him through, but a 200 foot team needs 200 foot players.
I liked Perron a lot more, but it was ckear he wasn't the same after returning from injury.
When the speed goes, so does the space. Happens with every "just fast enough" sniper in the league.