jeff48109 474 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 I know many on here wanted a Chris Neil type to sign for the wings. his asking price seems way too high though. if he wants more than $1.7 mil per year i'll pass http://www.silversevensens.com/2009/6/24/9...own-4-year-6-8m Bruce 'Malkin to the Kings' Garrioch cited sources in an article for the Ottawa Sun this morning that said Chris Neil, a pending unrestricted free agent, has turned down a four-year, $6.8M that would have a cap hit of $1.7M per season through 2012-2013. As a player who's stated flat-out how anxious he is to get a deal done with the Ottawa Senators, he doesn't seem all that anxious to make his deal work. But it's hard for me to be disappointed with him, though, because I'll be honest: I think that offer us far to generous for a player as limited as Chris Neil. Despite his pugilistic presence and the fact that he's a good teammate and community member, Neil--in my opinion--is not a $1.7M player. To give him credit, though, Neil has given a lot to the Senators franchise in his career here. He's the Senators' all-time penalty minutes leader, and has 118 career fighting majors to his name: 19 pre-season, 96 regular season, and 3 post-season. He has had his share of (relative) offensive success, highlighted by a 16-goal, 33-point 2005-06 campaign where he was even given some powerplay time. But since that season, Neil's numbers have declined steadily in every offensive category, to a very unimpressive 3G and 7A in 60GP last season. This downward trend reflects that of most Senators players, granted, but can't be ignored when you're handing out contracts--especially to a player who's just turned 30 and plays a role that's not easy on the body. Looking at 'comparables' in the league, even Neil's $1.1M is at the high end of the spectrum. The top penalty-minute players in the league largely had similar offensive outputs to Neil--in the range of 8-14 points, the difference between which is negligible on such a small scale--but had lower contracts. Look at Daniel Carcillo (3G, 11A) earning $894k, Shane O'Brien (10A) earning $894k, Zach Stortini (6G, 5A) earning $700k, Jared Boll (4G, 10A) earning $735k, Eric Boulton (3G, 10A) earning $600k, and Ben Eager (11G, 4A) earning $650k. In fact, looking at the league's penalty minute leaders, there is one player who makes $2.5M: David Backes, who was eighth in the league in penalty minutes, but also had 31G and 23A for 54P overall. A bit better than Neil's numbers, which is why he's making that money. Personally, I think Neil's value has dropped significantly in the last two seasons. As much as I appreciate the loyalty Neil has demonstrated to the Senators, if I were GM (and you should probably be thankful I'm not), matching his last contract's $1.1M salary would be my highest offer--and even that would be overpaying for the physical forward. Honestly, if Neil can get $2.5M--or more--on the open market, I think he'd better go for it. In the NHL, you've got to make your money before it's too late, and if the statistical trend indicated by Neil's recent history is any indication, his time might be running out. Although I won't appreciate it when he beats up on whatever cheaper enforcer the Senators can bring in, I will harbour no ill-will towards Neiler, and will cheer him on when he's back in Ottawa. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Yeah. A lot of people on here seem to think we could get him for $1 million or so. Not going to happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Meh. This could very well be a case of turning down a deal offered by a sinking ship. I could see him taking 1.5M easily from a team that actually has a chance of doing anything. Either way, I wouldn't pay him more than about 1.5M. And even that would be a little steep for my taste. And I love the guy. But theres no need to overpay for a one-dimensional player, no matter how much you need that one dimension. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunkedUp 29 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 As much as I would like to have Neil on our team this next season there is zero chance of it happening. In fact, I don't think we will see anyone from outside the organization at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Do we need it? I mean we do have Downey who basically could do the same for a lot less. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xBrave_Heartx 0 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 comparing downey to neil? really? Dont remember Downey ever netting 33/28 points in back to back seasons. Neil, is well worth the 1.8 imo. Could you imagine a Helm,Neil and Abdelkader line? If Helm plays the way he does in the playoffs.. Abdelkader plays the way he does in GR.. and Neil is just himself.. that could be a very devastating line to match up against.. That would be the new grindline for sure. PIPEDREAM OVER! There is no way in hell Neil will be a wing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff48109 474 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Meh. This could very well be a case of turning down a deal offered by a sinking ship. true. but how much will he take to be on a winning team? i wont pay neil more than 1 mil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 comparing downey to neil? really? Dont remember Downey ever netting 33/28 points in back to back seasons. Neil, is well worth the 1.8 imo. Could you imagine a Helm,Neil and Abdelkader line? If Helm plays the way he does in the playoffs.. Abdelkader plays the way he does in GR.. and Neil is just himself.. that could be a very devastating line to match up against.. That would be the new grindline for sure. PIPEDREAM OVER! There is no way in hell Neil will be a wing. no doubt that line would energize the Joe and make games a lot more entertaining.....unfortunately that is not a concern of the greater powers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 comparing downey to neil? really? Dont remember Downey ever netting 33/28 points in back to back seasons. Neil, is well worth the 1.8 imo. Could you imagine a Helm,Neil and Abdelkader line? If Helm plays the way he does in the playoffs.. Abdelkader plays the way he does in GR.. and Neil is just himself.. that could be a very devastating line to match up against.. That would be the new grindline for sure. PIPEDREAM OVER! There is no way in hell Neil will be a wing. I just ruined my pants, thanks a lot. But seriously, I really like the idea of a Neil + Helm + Leino lineup. Think of Helm's speed and his tendency to force turnovers, plus Neil's energy to contribute down low, and a potential scorer in Leino who knows how to capitalize on said turnovers and make plays. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest micah Report post Posted June 25, 2009 I don't think Neil is worth 1.5m/yr. He scored 10 points in 60 games this year. Downey can *almost* do that, plus Downey's already ours. You oughta appreciate the downey you have in your hand, not just dream of Neil in your bush, or however that saying goes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Four Report post Posted June 25, 2009 comparing downey to neil? really? Dont remember Downey ever netting 33/28 points in back to back seasons. Neil, is well worth the 1.8 imo. Could you imagine a Helm,Neil and Abdelkader line? If Helm plays the way he does in the playoffs.. Abdelkader plays the way he does in GR.. and Neil is just himself.. that could be a very devastating line to match up against.. That would be the new grindline for sure. PIPEDREAM OVER! There is no way in hell Neil will be a wing. How is Neil suppose to keep up with Helm exactly? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 How is Neil suppose to keep up with Helm exactly? Training skates and a rope? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonan78 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Training skates and a rope? I just sprayed orange juice all over my laptop, thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Four Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Training skates and a rope? Rofl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevieY9802 6 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 How is Neil suppose to keep up with Helm exactly? how many guys on this team now can keep up with him? And on a serious note what does that have to do with anything? I don't remember Joe Kocur quite keeping up with Draper back in 97 & 98. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Neil will probably wait until his buddy Heatley gets dealt to San Jose and sign there. And people saying how could Neil keep up with Helm? Seriously? Neil isnt slow, he has an injury plagued year, he had a fine time running Niedermayer all night and day in the Stanley Cup finals in 07, and last time I checked Nieds is pretty fast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 (edited) Neil didn't turn down that contract for a chance at more money - that's for sure. I'd be thrilled to see the Wings pick him up for $1m, but probably not gonna happen... There will be a lot more opportunity for signings like this in the next couple years as players like Maltby, Holmstrom and Draper retire. Edited June 25, 2009 by egroen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Neil will probably wait until his buddy Heatley gets dealt to San Jose and sign there. And people saying how could Neil keep up with Helm? Seriously? Neil isnt slow, he has an injury plagued year, he had a fine time running Niedermayer all night and day in the Stanley Cup finals in 07, and last time I checked Nieds is pretty fast. Not that I'm arguing your point or anything, but Helm made Nieds look like he belonged in a nursing home when he blew past him in the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevieY9802 6 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Neil didn't turn down that contract for a chance at more money - that's for sure. Thats what I was thinking. He wants out of there and I can't blame him. I could easily see him signing for the same cap number on a team in a better situation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
syntax 359 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Training skates and a rope? LOL. Classic. I love Neil, I'd love to see him with Helm/Leino, but he's not worth more than $1 million/per to the Wings. I also doubt there's much a chance of us signing him. Wishful thinking I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Yeah. A lot of people on here seem to think we could get him for $1 million or so. Not going to happen. I got a huge kick out of the fellow who suggested, early in the season, that we trade Kopecky for Neil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
