Oilers trade Milan Lucic to Flames for James Neal
The Edmonton Oilers have traded Milan Lucic and a 2020 conditional third-round pick to the Calgary Flames in exchange for James Neal.
Two conditions have to be met for Oilers to send 3rd round pick to Calgary - James Neal has to record at least 21 goals and Lucic scores at least 10 fewer goals than Neal.
— Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) July 20, 2019
Edmonton will retain 12.5 percent of Lucic’s remaining contract. The 31-year-old carries a $6 million cap hit for every year through the 2022-23 campaign, after signing a seven-year, $42-million deal with the Oilers in July 2016.
Lucic struggled throughout the 2018-19 campaign, recording six goals and 20 points in 79 games for the Oilers. Despite a poor season, Lucic reportedly drew interest from his hometown Vancouver Canucks, according to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis.
Shortly after the trade was reported, Lucic posted a photo of his new uniform.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/A1gYG6CbE7
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) July 19, 2019
Neal also failed to meet expectations last season, amassing seven goals and 19 points in his lone season with the Flames.
The veteran winger carries a nearly identical cap hit to Lucic, owed $5.75 million for every year through the 2022-23 season. Neal signed a five-year, $28.75 million contract with the Flames in July 2018.
It’s a new beginning for both players and perhaps a change of scenery will help invigorate both of their careers.
More NHL coverage from Yahoo Sports