Quote:
Originally Posted by Trochu
The only silver lining from a Flames perspective is if Neal doesn't come around. We got a "seriously declining player" who still put up more points than Neal did, playing on a much worst team. That being said, I agree that Neal has a way better chance of recovering his play. I feel the chances of that happening are small, but significantly better none the less. Not sure of the point of the ownership/billionaire, etc. comments. The Riddel portion of the Calgary ownership group has a similar net worth as Katz alone, let alone the remaining owners. Pretty sure Calgary's ownership group has a greater net worth than Katz and could easily buy out Lucic if they so desired.
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Sure they could buy him out but the continuing cap hit remains ugly. That was the biggest problem with Lucic' contract and why they didn't do it this off-season or last. Only minimal cap savings. Calgary has relieved them of that burden giving up a player with a much more palatable buyout and cap implications with a better chance of being any kind of offensive contributor.
If they both get bought out after this season cap hit wise per year next 3 years:
Lucic - 4.9 m, 3.6m, 4.9m
Neal - 1.9, 1.9, 1.9
The total $$ for each buyout is similar but huge difference in cap hit for the first 3 years. That's the Oilers prime reason for doing this deal. Gaining cap room.