Big trades and MILLIONS of dollars thrown around to sign UFAs and RFAs.
But more often than not, the best move turns out to be one made under the radar...and so far this year....that is ABSOLUTELY the case.
Around 8:30 pm on July 19th the Oilers traded Milan Lucic to Calgary for James Neal.
At the time this deal was looked at by most as a simple swap of salary cap issues and under-achievers...I didn't see it that way at all...when the trade was made I wrote the following....
"Most people are calling this a "kind of a problem for problem trade." I don't think so AT ALL. It was only two years ago Neal was a star when playing with the right kinds of players in Vegas. I think this will go down as the steal of the summer. Neal will thrive in Edmonton."
But then again...I am always right....as you all remind me.
As for all of that...Neal is thriving..beyond what even I thought was possible....To the point this HAS to be considered the best off-season move of the summer...
Here are 4 reasons I believe the Oilers made the best move of the off-season:
#1. It's early, but Neal currently leads the NHL in goals.
#2. Neal has scored 6 goals in the first three games...THAT is an EDMONTON OILERS record...Think about that. (It is not like the Oilers have had any big scorers in their history or anything...)
#3. Neal scored 4 goals last night for Edmonton. Lucic scored 4 goals last SEASON for the Oilers.
#4. (Bonus) This trade was made between Edmonton and Calgary! Whenever the battle of Alberta adds another reason for hatred, WE ALL WIN!
So can you beat it? Give me your opinions of the best moves of the summer....
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