James Neal expectations after the trade

**Elpidio1975** · July 20, 2019, 11:55 PM

Hey guys, does anyone think Neal can revive his career now that he is with the Oilers and has a chance to play with mcD?

**pmorrow** · July 21, 2019, 12:02 AM

I'm cautiously optimistic. I think this was a good move by the Oilers. Neal is gonna have a lot of opportunity to stick with one of the big centers. I'm taking a flyer on him for sure.

**j0hn_d0e** · July 21, 2019, 5:14 AM

That is definitely possible. If he find chemistry next to McDavid or Draisaitl - watchout. But don't be too excited...many tried to keep up with McDavid and Draisaitl and many failed. Statistics are showing that McDavid and Draisaitl are better playing together but then Neal can't be on their line because hes a RW like Leon? The Oilers will probably try to separate Connor and Leon to start the season just to find the right place for Neal.
Neal is a deep sleeper for me but I won't reach for him thats for sure.

**butch** · July 21, 2019, 6:48 AM

neal had the legs to play in that vegas up tempo offense in 17/18 so it still confuses me as to why it didnt work out in cal . I wonder if he was just really burned out from the long season with vegas / short offseason and just started off behind the 8 ball when camp broke in 2018

**Axeman33** · July 21, 2019, 7:36 AM

He's been working with Gary Roberts this summer so clearly Neal knew last year was not a good one for him. To be honest, I was expecting a nice bounce back year in Calgary for him simply because he seemed to be taking last year's disappointment seriously. Now, hopefully, this is Edmontons benefit.

He's going to get a chance to play in the top six with one of McDavid or Huge so expectations will be high.

If he can get 25g, 25a, id call that a very successful season for Neal.

**mounD** · July 21, 2019, 8:58 AM

Don't forget in leagues that score PIM, James Neal loves to freak out at stuff and get lots of penalties.

**ericdaoust** · July 21, 2019, 9:11 AM

20-25 g, 40-45 pts max

**FrozenInferno** · July 21, 2019, 10:00 AM

I expect him to be taken too early in drafts, ride with McD for a while and do well, but eventually get shuffled off like every other non-Drai winger who gets a chance with him. There's a new hyped winger for McDavid ever year it seems and they don't seem to stick.