Ottawa Senators lock on Chris Neil for three-years with $5.75 million deal -NHL Update
Chris Neil had an exceptional performance during the Ottawa Senators comeback into the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs this year as they nearly knocked out Eastern Conference toppers, New York Rangers, but surprisingly, that did not mean a boost in
his salary.
Ottawa Senators reportedly re-signed the veteran right winger to a three-year contract, worth an estimated $5.75 million, nearly $100,000 lower in annual salary cap hit from his previous four-year deal which gave him $2 million a year.
Drafted as the 161st overall back in round-six of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by Ottawa Senators, Neil has remained loyal to the Canadian franchise ever since and has played in 10 seasons with them as of yet.
In a total of 731 games played, Neil has a record of 200 points (90 goals, 110 assist) and an impressive 1,861 minutes in penalty time.
For the Ottawa Senators, Chris Neil is their enforcer and knows how to get the job done when the top forwards are taking up the puck. Taking down the offence with his physical style of play is one thing that Senators need for the 33-year-old and expect of
him to do as the contract continues.
Last regular season was one of the better for him as he put up 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 72 games played. The last time Neil put up such numbers was back in 2006-2007.
“It must mean I’m doing my job,” veteran enforcer Chris Neil said.
Ottawa Senators made the playoffs for the first time since missing them during the 2010-2011 regular season after an awful performance. Chris Neil was definitely one of the men that allowed them that extra physical depth on the offensive end as he put up
two goals and an assist in seven games against New York Rangers during the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
The next thing Ottawa Senators have on their to-do list of the offseason is find out whether captain Daniel Alfredsson will be staying in the league and playing or not.
Updates can be expected by the team as the offseason continues to progress.
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