Ryan Wilson: Is James Neal the Real Deal? Is James Neal the Real Deal?

Am I hearing this correctly. Both Maatta and Pouliot have torn labrums?

At his best he is a streaky scorer who is killer on the PP. At his worst he has difficulty maintaining control of the puck and gets easily frustrated. Malkin can be a hothead too and that may be the lead he is following, hard to tell. He is a big 204lbs forward who should be able to use his size to separate the puck from his opponent, but more often than not he doesn't. In my mind he lacks consistency.
Period, end of story.

Ehrhoff for Neal

Ehrhoff for Neal
- SABRES 89

No ... if we trade a forward, we need a QUALITY forward back. Last we need is a 31-year old Dman making 4 million for the next SEVEN YEARS.

Ehrhoff for Neal
- SABRES 89

Why don't you just go ahead and say Ehrhoff for Malkin.

It's hard to believe that anyone with that frame, and who has trained that many years with Gary Roberts would be so I ineffective in traffic and so soft without the puck.

No ... if we trade a forward, we need a QUALITY forward back. Last we need is a 31-year old Dman making 4 million for the next SEVEN YEARS.
- Oneonta Penguin

I think the Pens will get kulemin. He would be a bargain for them. It seems every time he plays with his longtime friend malkin he gets over a point a game.

He's no Kunitz

No ... if we trade a forward, we need a QUALITY forward back. Last we need is a 31-year old Dman making 4 million for the next SEVEN YEARS.
- Oneonta Penguin

Eberle

I'm not sure if there's some underlying issue, but Neal would have to be an idiot to want out. If playing with an all-world type center on a perennial contender can't make you happy (professionally), you might need to reevaluate a few things.

Eberle
- ystoil

Do you really want the letang to Edmonton rumors? that's not fun to hear as a fan.

Do you really want the letang to Edmonton rumors? that's not fun to hear as a fan.
- JVR_42_PK81

Don't really want letang due to health and cost. Sure could use Neal.

Trading for Neal and drafting draisaitl would change the look of our top 6.

Do you really want the letang to Edmonton rumors? that's not fun to hear as a fan.
- JVR_42_PK81

I do.

I think the Pens will get kulemin. He would be a bargain for them. It seems every time he plays with his longtime friend malkin he gets over a point a game.
- JVR_42_PK81

Kulemin is a third line guy.

Kulemin is a third line guy.
- Oneonta Penguin

We should be used to third line guys in the top 6.

Kulemin is a third line guy.
- Oneonta Penguin

He is a third line guy but has proven in the past that he can be offensive. Don't be surprised to see kulemin on Malkins wing. He has played on his wing more than a few times. Had over a point a game with malkin in the KHL a couple years ago. Proving now in the worlds he plays well given the opportunity.

Have you not herd the rumors the past 3 years of the pens wanting to get kulemin so they can try to play him with malkin?

We should be used to third line guys in the top 6.
- madmike71

You need bargains on the wing. With all the stars getting paid top notch money

Why don't you just go ahead and say Ehrhoff for Malkin.
- TheCalSen

OK

Am I hearing this correctly. Both Maatta and Pouliot have torn labia?
- Ben37

Sounds about right.

Let's hope that significant player is Neal although I would doubt it, the information in this post shows he's nothing without malkin and I think he knows that too. Hopefully the significant player isn't actually one of the good ones.

Eberle
- ystoil

I'd do that trade in a heart beat.

We should be used to third line guys in the top 6.
- madmike71

True, and Kulemin will go into the dirty areas and back check so Malkin and Neal and keep playing prime offensive positions, and have Kule tap in the odd piece of garbage.

Neal - Malkin - Kulemin would be a solid line, in my opinion.

True, and Kulemin will go into the dirty areas and back check so Malkin and Neal and keep playing prime offensive positions, and have Kule tap in the odd piece of garbage.

Neal - Malkin - Kulemin would be a solid line, in my opinion.
- Viktory

I am confident he will go there. He is cheap and he can play with malkin. Also a big forward which the pens need IMO

I'm not sure if there's some underlying issue, but Neal would have to be an idiot to want out. If playing with an all-world type center on a perennial contender can't make you happy (professionally), you might need to reevaluate a few things.
- madmike71

Neal is over rated, a sniper with a history of cheap stuff. Take away a Malkin and Crosby on the pp and Neal will become Matt Cooke. I like the Pens but can't stand Neal. He would be crazy to ask to be traded if that is true.