Author Topic: should Chris Neil be traded? (Read 3309 times)

sensfan1984 · « **on:** June 17, 2008, 03:43:40 PM »

Kevin Lee posted this on his blog today:

"Other names that have come up in trade discussions over the past week is that of Chris Neil. Neil is entering the last year of his deal and with the emergence of Cody Bass, Neil could possibly get traded this summer or during the course of the season. Bass is 8 years younger and was much more effective in the playoffs than Neil. Add in the fact that Bass is not afraid to drop the gloves and can play on the PK, he is a much more valuable player than Neil. With a full year under his belt this coming season, Bass could become a key contributor for Craig Hartsburg. Neil would fetch a decent return as there are many teams looking for player that brings an edge and decent scoring touch, not mention his experience. Murray might be able to trade Neil to get a veteran defensemen with the Sens looking thinner than ever on the blueline."

I thought I would post this since we haven't had much to discuss lately. Would you trade Chris Neil? And what would you be looking for in return?

I would have said no in previous seasons, but he definitely took a step back this year. He definitely wasn't as physical this season and took a lot of dumb penalties. It did look like he was taking more of a leadership role early in the year (he was sent to talk to the refs a few times) but later drifted from the type of game that kept him in the nhl. I really like how Bass plays, and he brings a lot of energy, but I doubt he could replace Neil. It was obvious once Neil got hurt in Columbus that our team was getting thrown around. So what would you do?

Small Town · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:09:14 PM »

I think it's time for Chris to move on. He was not effective last season. I would not fuss over his departure.

stone169 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:16:09 PM »

It was almost as if he took a step backwards last season. It's a tough one. I'd say that Murray wait until mid-season to see how Neil is playing and see what his contract demands are as well.

If Murray can get a good deal now then I say take it.

PuckFancy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:28:29 PM »

I agree that Neil has had a very mediocre season this year but I'm willing to wait and see what he does this fall/winter before suggesting we get rid of him. Bass is a great prospect but he really hasn't played enough to warrant labeling him Neil's replacement.

go_sens_go55555 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:32:57 PM »

Yeah, with mcgrattan maybe not coming back,i would want to wait until mid season to see if we should trade him. I don't want to become a soft team again.

sensfan1984 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:40:43 PM »

Quote from: PuckFancy on June 17, 2008, 04:28:29 PM

I agree that Neil has had a very mediocre season this year but I'm willing to wait and see what he does this fall/winter before suggesting we get rid of him. Bass is a great prospect but he really hasn't played enough to warrant labeling him Neil's replacement.

I agree, unless he can be traded (alone or in a package) for players that could fill some big holes. We would definitely need someone to replace him for the intimidation factor and to stand up for teammates. I think this is extremely important given the number of rookies we might dress. I also worry that losing Mcgrattan and Neil will make us a very soft team. Like you said, Bass hasn't played enough to warrant that label. I also want to see how he holds up to an 82 game schedule and whether he can keep up the intensity.

classmate · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2008, 05:40:27 PM »

I haven't given up on Chris yet.

Mount Everest · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2008, 06:30:23 PM »

Chris did have an inconsistant year during last season, but then again so did most of the troops. I can see the reasoning behind Neil being traded away, in hopes to bring in a Vetern D or even package him up to recieve a higher pick. However, Gratts is almost certainly leaving the team this summer, and even though Bass is a tough kid, I don't see him wrecking it up in the NHL like Gratts does or like Neil used to. If we lose both Gratts and Neil in the offseason, I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2007 Stanley Cup Final replayed night after night. Keep Chris until atleast Midseason, then evaluate him on his preformance.

I don't think letting Neil go now would be the smartest choice unless Murray has a plan to bring in another Neil type player.

moxie · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2008, 06:36:37 PM »

We are way too soft as it is. Neil is the heart and soul of this team. He's earned every penny he's ever gotten from us and more. He was not great in the playoffs or down the stretch because he was playing with a partially torn MCL and playing with a knee brace. He will be in top form next season I guarantee it. If he gets traded I will lose all faith in this team.

Jasonf6 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2008, 07:58:21 PM »

Whether he wears an A or a C, or neither, he is a TRUE leader on this team. Like mentioned above, he is part of the heart and soul of the team regardless of his performance. He, like most of the team, had a terrible year.

I don't want him traded as he is one of my favourite players and his name just might be on the back of my jersey when I buy one.

thirstymoose_2000 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 17, 2008, 09:25:34 PM »

Neil took a HUGE step backward last year. Not sure what was up. And his play in the playoffs - especially the dumb, dumb, penalties was his worst ever. I think he has a lot of potential though. He can be a very solid 3rd liner in this league if he can keep his witts about him. I'd actually love to see Hartsburgh try him with Spezza and Heater to a) make some room for them, b) forecheck the hell out of the D and wear them down and c) park his butt in front of the net and screen the goalie for them.

Jasonf6 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2008, 10:31:52 PM »

Quote from: thirstymoose_2000 on June 17, 2008, 09:25:34 PM

Neil took a HUGE step backward last year. Not sure what was up. And his play in the playoffs - especially the dumb, dumb, penalties was his worst ever. I think he has a lot of potential though. He can be a very solid 3rd liner in this league if he can keep his witts about him. I'd actually love to see Hartsburgh try him with Spezza and Heater to a) make some room for them, b) forecheck the hell out of the D and wear them down and c) park his butt in front of the net and screen the goalie for them.

diehardsensfan! · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2008, 12:38:16 AM »

Chris is one of my favourite players...I want to see him stick around! Let's face it...he wasn't the only one who under achieved this year.

work2play · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2008, 06:27:55 AM »

Quote from: sensfan1984 on June 17, 2008, 03:43:40 PM

Would you trade Chris Neil?

Yes, but the price would be steep.

Quote from: sensfan1984 on June 17, 2008, 03:43:40 PM

And what would you be looking for in return?

Neil + some combination of prospect(s) currently in Bingo and/or mid to late (4th round or later) round draft pick(s) this year or next in order to get a top ten pick in the draft without giving up the 18 pick might do it for me. Or getting a solid veteran tough as nails D-man that is under contract for a decent price might do it for me.

While I would miss his toughness in the line-up, I'd still trade him for the right price.
That price would go up if I could get Chris to sign a reasonably priced contract extension.

s3nsfan75 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2008, 07:00:41 AM »

Quote from: thirstymoose_2000 on June 17, 2008, 09:25:34 PM

Neil took a HUGE step backward last year. Not sure what was up. And his play in the playoffs - especially the dumb, dumb, penalties was his worst ever. I think he has a lot of potential though. He can be a very solid 3rd liner in this league if he can keep his witts about him. I'd actually love to see Hartsburgh try him with Spezza and Heater to a) make some room for them, b) forecheck the hell out of the D and wear them down and c) park his butt in front of the net and screen the goalie for them.

I'd have to say that idea isn't half bad. Neiler proved a cuople of seasons ago he can score, he had 16 goals. Nothing of a Richard trophy winner, but he does have hands. He would definitely clear room on the forecheck.
ONLY if he could keep his head in the game and not take those dumb penalties. Which would keep heater and spezza off the ice.

sensfan1984 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2008, 09:31:32 AM »

Quote from: work2play on June 18, 2008, 06:27:55 AM

Yes, but the price would be steep.
Neil + some combination of prospect(s) currently in Bingo and/or mid to late (4th round or later) round draft pick(s) this year or next in order to get a top ten pick in the draft without giving up the 18 pick might do it for me. Or getting a solid veteran tough as nails D-man that is under contract for a decent price might do it for me.

While I would miss his toughness in the line-up, I'd still trade him for the right price.
That price would go up if I could get Chris to sign a reasonably priced contract extension.

I like your idea of neil + prospect/picks to get a top 10 while still keeping the 18th overall. Given the depth of the draft I think it could be extremely beneficial for the long term success of this club. Murray mentioned he liked a goalie at 18th so if could get a great player in the top 10 and potentially our future #1 goalie, it would be worth it. This depends on the prospects we would need to give up.

go_sens_go55555 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 18, 2008, 09:42:15 AM »

I don't think neil and prospects would get us a top 10 pick. We would have to give up like vermette AND our first rounder to move up. It's a top 10 pick we're talking about.

ottawasensfan · « **Reply #17 on:** June 18, 2008, 09:44:56 AM »

If there is a good hockey trade to be made, I think the Senators should move him. Otherwise, I would probably start talks on an extension to get an idea of what he wants to stay here and how his play progresses. If the numbers he puts forth are nuts, I would say its time to trade him. If the numbers are reasonable, see how the season progresses.

cheers

sensfan1984 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 18, 2008, 10:03:35 AM »

Quote from: go_sens_go55555 on June 18, 2008, 09:42:15 AM

I don't think neil and prospects would get us a top 10 pick. We would have to give up like vermette AND our first rounder to move up. It's a top 10 pick we're talking about.

I do agree that trade was tilted in Ottawa's favor. However, if the team feels one of our prospects is able to step in next year and they get a veteran player like Neil, they might consider it. Neil does bring an element that is highly desired. I remember hearing announcers talk about him while watching games in the western conference. Some teams in the top 10 don't have the luxury to wait for that pick to develop. Some teams need to start winning now (like atlanta, columbus or Nashville - to prove to fans they are actually committed to winning). If the sens could work out a hockey deal for a top 10 pick and a defenseman that included Neil + Vermette and possibly a pick (not 18th) I would also be interested. edit: If this were done we would need to sign Kelly

The Green Lantern · « **Reply #19 on:** June 18, 2008, 10:23:34 AM »

Quote

If there is a good hockey trade to be made, I think the Senators should move him. Otherwise, I would probably start talks on an extension to get an idea of what he wants to stay here and how his play progresses. If the numbers he puts forth are nuts, I would say its time to trade him. If the numbers are reasonable, see how the season progresses.

That makes sense.