Oilers stun everyone with potential trade for James Neal!

What do you want first? The good news or the bad one. 

The bad news for Edmonton Oilers fans is that NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed on Oilers Now on Sportsnet during Friday’s show that the Canadian team has kicked the tires on trading for Calgary Flames’ James Neal. 

“I think Calgary is trying to see what the market is for James Neal. They really have only two options with him. You bring him back and you hope that whatever bothered him last year doesn’t bother him and he’s better and it creates a market for him. Or you make a move now where you have to accept another contract in return. But he’s definitely available. I have heard that Edmonton at least  kicked tires on it. It makes sense. A big contract has to go back (to Calgary).”

This could be the possibility for the Oilers to get rid of veteran forward Milan Lucic’s contract, however, Friedman does not see the trade taking place. 

Yes Oilers fans, this is your good news. 

“To be honest I don’t think it’s going to happen with Edmonton I just think the Oilers at least talked about the possibility because he’s a scorer and you guys need scorers. I don’t see the fit (of a Neal to Edmonton deal). I don’t see that kind of move happening. But I think you guys, at least, considered the idea. I don’t see Calgary doing that, but I think you guys at least considered the idea.”

Neal, who struggled mightily last season, has four more years on a deal that pays him $5.75 million per. In 63 games last year he had seven goals and 19 points and was -5. He was coming off seasons that saw him get 25, 23 and 31 goals.

It could have been an off year that would make the Oilers happy to have acquired him and get his power in Edmonton. However, the risk remains…

For the moment, the Oilers still have to put up with Lucic’s bad deal as he has four more years left on a deal that pays him $6 million per. He recorded six goals and 20 points in 79 games last season. If the Oilers were to  buy him out, they would save just $2.5 million against the cap over time.

At this time a year, we are expected to hear all kinds of rumours. Oilers fans will need a strong stomach. However, the Flames will also need to make a decision on Neal and maybe make the gamble that he can turn around his game. If he can’t, a contract buyout isn’t such a horrible prospect.