James Neal takes PTO and turns it into one-year deal with the St. Louis Blues
Anthony Scultore
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Back in the summer, the Edmonton Oilers opted to buyout James Neal. At the time of the move, he finished the season with just five goals and five assists (10 points) in 29 games.
It was a bit of a low point for Neal, who was once considered one of the better forwards in the game. During a 7 season stretch from 2012 to 2018 he averaged 27 goals per season.
Neal, 34, joined the Blues for training camp on a professional tryout and led the team with four goals in five preseason games.
Blues sign Jame Neal
Today, the St. Louis Blues agreed to terms with veteran forward on a one-year, $750,000 contract.
Neal was selected to the All-Star Game in 2012, 2016 and 2018. He led the NHL with 18 power-play goals in 2011-12.
He has 555 points (294 goals, 261 assists) and 581 penalty minutes in 850 games with the Dallas Stars (2008-11), Pittsburgh Penguins (2011-14), Nashville Predators (2014-17), Vegas Golden Knights (2017-18), Calgary Flames (2018-19) and Oilers.
St. Louis opens the regular season on the road against the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 16.
–Field Level Media contributed to this report