Chris Neil Expendable?

I don't think so. There has been much Neil-hate on the forum boards and even in the local newspapers. "Losing his edge", "Thinks he's Gretzky", "Too many dumb penalties", they all yelled. "$1.1 million for him? TRADE HIM!!!" They all screamed.
Granted, he may have lost his way a little last season, but which Sen didn't to some degree or another? Let's start off with some stats:




Detractors said with the acquisition of Ruutu and the emergence of Cody Bass, the writing was on the wall for Neiler to become trade bait. Which NHL GM wouldn't want this guy, right? He hits, he fights, he agitates, he chips in the occasional goal or assist and isn't a defensive liability. A team can't have too many of these types.

What I think happened last year was basically a coaching issue. Paddock seemed to send mixed messages to his players and they lost their roles. When used in his proper role, Chris is one of the best in the league among those in that role. I could hear Paddock now: "Go poke that guy with your stick, Chris....... oh not that hard, OK, OK, OK.... try using that Gretzky wrap around play every time you're around the net....OK OK OK..... that didn't work..... try creaming the opposing defenceman into the end boards on the forecheck, get a good run in there....Ooops, not that much of a run....OK....try fighting George Laraque....Hmmmmm."

This being a contract year, watch for Neil to step it up large and redeem himself big time. He is great at what he does, when he does it on a consistent basis. Expect 15 goals, 15 assists, 200 PIMS and to be among the top 10 in hits this year in the NHL....Book it.