Was the Lucic - Neal trade actually a win for the Flames?

[koyvoo]

Exactly this. It was a terrible trade for the flames the day it happened, and remains a terrible trade today.

The day before the trade happened, 100% of flames fans would’ve rejected a Neal-Lucic swap outright. If the trade never happened and was proposed on these boards today, 100% of flames fans would shoot it down. Even with Neal sucking the bag for them.

 

[Jozay]

The only way that trade could be a win for Calgary is if Lucic got the LTIRetirement treatment.

 

[DJJones]

Contract wise it's a loss.

You dont reverse it because it makes you a better team. I'd much rather overpay a player to be useful than overpay one to sit in the press box or cost you games.

We saved money. Management believes the expansion draft is a none issue and they weren't going to buy either out

 

[DropIt]

We saved money. Management believes the expansion draft is a none issue and they weren't going to buy either out

Until the expansion draft that's heresy. Saved money yes but the contract is far more iron clad. Lucic is a better player than Neal is for Calgary, no doubt about that, but at the very least they gave Edmonton a get out of jail cheaper card

 

[DJJones]

Until the expansion draft that's heresy. Saved money yes but the contract is far more iron clad. Lucic is a better player than Neal is for Calgary, no doubt about that, but at the very least they gave Edmonton a get out of jail cheaper card

If he screws us in the expansion draft then yes it was a terrible trade but that's such an obvious issue I can't imagine they'd overlook it.

 

[Pucklington]

Nope...

 

[Rangediddy]

Lucic this year is better than Neal was last. That doesn't have to be called a win, but it's definitely not called a downgrade

 

[blankall]

The way Lucic is playing, I wouldn't have any issue protecting him in the expansion draft. However I'd be pretty darn surprised if he doesn't agree to waive for it.

I'd be shocked if the issue hadn't already been discussed with management and Lucic had agreed to waive before the trade.

Lucic is supposedly a huge family guy. I also have met a couple of his personal friends from Vancouver, who he keeps in touch with, as the first thing they do is brag about what a good friend he is. Lucic also seems to constantly talk about his love for Vancouver as a city. I'd be shocked if Lucic didn't take the opportunity to be closer to Vancouver by going to Seattle.

 

[Vinegar Strokes]

It's comical to me that people call out Neal for being a PP specialist, yet ignore that 5 of Lucic's 6 goals have come with the man advantage this season.

 

[blankall]

It's comical to me that people call out Neal for being a PP specialist, yet ignore that 5 of Lucic's 6 goals have come with the man advantage this season.

He's had 7 of 16 points on the PP.

 

[Atoyot]

One is a powerplay specialist and the other is a hits-to-the-numbers specialist.

 

[soothsayer]

What can't be forgotten in all of this, is that the Flames ended up firing Peters anyways. Neal probably would have been better under another coach.

 

[Aceboogie]

I'd be shocked if the issue hadn't already been discussed with management and Lucic had agreed to waive before the trade.

Lucic is supposedly a huge family guy. I also have met a couple of his personal friends from Vancouver, who he keeps in touch with, as the first thing they do is brag about what a good friend he is. Lucic also seems to constantly talk about his love for Vancouver as a city. I'd be shocked if Lucic didn't take the opportunity to be closer to Vancouver by going to Seattle.

These invented scenarios about Lucic waiving and getting claimed by Seattle are the funniest things to read. They keep getting better and more creative

 

[Vinegar Strokes]

He's had 7 of 16 points on the PP.

I realize he’s had some assists even strength. How many of those are secondary? The fact that he has 1 EVG is absolutely pathetic.

 

[blankall]

These invented scenarios about Lucic waiving and getting claimed by Seattle are the funniest things to read. They keep getting better and more creative

I doubt he gets claimed. However, I don't see why Lucic wouldn't waive for Seattle. The issue is does Calgary have to give up a protected expansion draft spot.

 

[GOilers88]

What can't be forgotten in all of this, is that the Flames ended up firing Peters anyways. Neal probably would have been better under another coach.

That takes away from the narrative that James Neal would never have gotten better in Calgary. Much like we have to exclude 90% of his production this year to show that he hasn't been any better than Lucic,we need to exclude the fact that back to back finals appearances plus a relocation to a new city and team with a suspect coach had no bearing whatsoever on him having a bad year in Calgary. That and the fact that their powerplay is already so good that a PP specialist like Neal wouldn't have ever had a place on the unit.

 

[Mr Positive]

I doubt he gets claimed. However, I don't see why Lucic wouldn't waive for Seattle. The issue is does Calgary have to give up a protected expansion draft spot.

the other option you have is make side deal with Seattle to take Lucic. You'd have to give up something good, but it's a great way to side step the problem of who is and isn't protected.

 

[Marner]

Lucic is still in the nhl?

 

[BigEezyE22]

His only mistake was going so light on the follow-through.

 

[Bank Shot]

Lucic this year is better than Neal was last. That doesn't have to be called a win, but it's definitely not called a downgrade

He's still a colossal waste of money for the next few seasons and there is no escaping from the contract.

The Flames are supposed to be in a cup contention window and they traded one anchor for an even bigger one.

Baffling.

 

[nturn06]

I'd be shocked if the issue hadn't already been discussed with management and Lucic had agreed to waive before the trade.

Lucic is supposedly a huge family guy. I also have met a couple of his personal friends from Vancouver, who he keeps in touch with, as the first thing they do is brag about what a good friend he is. Lucic also seems to constantly talk about his love for Vancouver as a city. I'd be shocked if Lucic didn't take the opportunity to be closer to Vancouver by going to Seattle.

Hey, if Lucic is willing to waive his NMC, then maybe Flames should try to tarde him now. Judging by this thread, he is soo good you should be able to get a first rounder or two for him [/sarcasm]

On a serious note, I don't understand the logic of Flames fans. Why would Seatle want Lucic? If the plan is to pair him with an asset to convince Seatle to take him, I can only say two things:

• Good luck!
• You guys do realize that it will likely take better assets to convince Seatle to take Lucic than Neal, don't you? Why would the Flames move an asset for another asset which will cost more to move out?

Keep in mind that Vegas success puts much more preasure on the Seatle to draft a competitive team, so why would Seattle take Lucic?

Yes, Vegas agreed to take some big contracts if paired with assets, but all the really big contracts were solid players. None of them was of Lucic caliber.

 

[blankall]

the other option you have is make side deal with Seattle to take Lucic. You'd have to give up something good, but it's a great way to side step the problem of who is and isn't protected.

The Flames ownership has expressed that they won't retain, buyout, or give up big assets to move contracts.

However, I could see them making an exception. Theoretically the Flames could retain another $2.125 million on Lucic bringing down his cap hit to 50% of the initial contract or $2.875. At those number Lucic starts to look alright.

 

[Bank Shot]

The Flames ownership has expressed that they won't retain, buyout, or give up big assets to move contracts.

However, I could see them making an exception. Theoretically the Flames could retain another $2.125 million on Lucic bringing down his cap hit to 50% of the initial contract or $2.875. At those number Lucic starts to look alright.

Only bottom feeders would be interested in Lucic at $3 million. Why would Lucic waive his NMC to go to a team with zero ability to compete?

 

[blankall]

Only bottom feeders would be interested in Lucic at $3 million. Why would Lucic waive his NMC to go to a team with zero ability to compete?

Lucic already has a cup. Seattle is a very short commute from his home-town.

 

[Bank Shot]

Lucic already has a cup. Seattle is a very short commute from his home-town.

Seattle likely wants to be competitive. acquiring Lucic isn't going to help them towards that goal.

The only market for him is tanking teams that would want additional assets thrown in.