The Columbus Blue Jackets have added some big names to their roster this summer, and now they’re going to be giving another big-name player a chance to earn a spot on their team. Per CapFriendly, unrestricted free agent winger and former 40-goal scorer James Neal has signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the Blue Jackets.
Neal, 34, split time last season between the St. Louis Blues and their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. In 19 games for the Blues, Neal registered two goals and four points. At the AHL level, Neal fared better, scoring 14 goals and 26 points in 28 games to go along with 12 points in 17 games during the Thunderbirds’ run to the Calder Cup Final.
Neal’s game has declined since his prime, and he isn’t the goal-scoring offensive force he once was. But he has had time over the past two seasons to adjust his game in order to fit lower on a team’s lineup, and now he’ll have a chance to impress coach Brad Larsen and earn a spot on the Blue Jackets’ roster.
On paper, this signing seems to be a way for the Blue Jackets to add an experienced, veteran NHLer to compete with the young players Columbus would ideally like to see make their NHL team. As with any professional sports team, the Blue Jackets are a competitive outfit. They’re not going to hand roster spots to any young player, no matter how talented. Adding Neal on a PTO gives up-and-coming wingers such as Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko, Liam Foudy, and Yegor Chinakhov a big-name veteran to compete with for a lineup spot.
Additionally, Neal’s presence could also push players such as Mathieu Olivier or Justin Danforth to defend the NHL jobs they’re currently penciled into. While he might not make the team given the competition he’ll face, this PTO gives Neal an opportunity to show the Blue Jackets organization what he can do. If he performs well, he could potentially earn another two-way deal and serve as useful depth for a Blue Jackets club looking to make some noise next season.
Why? They a have a good group and some solid young players as well. Why would you want him!? They do need a top 4 defensemen.
Agreed. Unless they plan on moving some of those young players for a top 4 defenseman. Maybe some of those young guys for Chychrun?
Chill, he’s a preseason body to bang against, he’s a good teammate, and has even shown he’s willing to play in the AHL. Relax Gladys…and your not getting Chychrun.
C’mon Wilf, you don’t even understand the concept of a professional tryout? He has not taken any player’s roster spot and it is a risk free opportunity for Columbus to create some competition in camp.
Good. Neal was a good sport when he came down to Springfield; said all the right things, did all the right things, became a leader in the dressing room, was a point-a-game scorer, hustled when he was on the ice, and even said he’d be content to be in Springfield again this season. A PTO to show what he can do makes good sense.
Except he can’t do.
You seem to have learned hockey in the same place as Wilf. You guys should get together and study using a different book.