Kukla's Korner Hockey
James Neal A Healthy Scratch
by Paul on 04/19/19 at 04:17 PM ET
Comments (1)
from Eric Francis of Sportsnet,
The James Neal signing is now officially a bust.
The 31-year-old winger, who was brought in to be a difference-maker in the playoffs, will be replaced in the Calgary Flames‘ lineup for the biggest game of the season.
Coach Bill Peters confirmed Neal’s third-line spot for Game 5 on Friday will be filled by Austin Czarnik, who will play alongside Mark Jankowski and Michael Frolik.
From a $28.75-million signing on July 2 to a healthy scratch in one season.
Just four more years to go on a deal paying him $5.75 million a year.
The fact that he’s being replaced by a 26-year-old who will make his NHL playoff debut says plenty about how ineffective Neal has been these playoffs and this season.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Calgary Flames, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: james+neal
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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
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I disagree with Mr. Francis’ hyperbole. Neal had a very bad year, I don’t deny that. But give him the summer to work on his speed and he can be effective next season before declaring the signing a bust.
Posted by Iggy_Rules_JR on 04/19/19 at 10:54 PM ET