Vegas Golden Knights Reportedly Shopping James Neal?

A potential deal involving James Neal would leave Vegas Golden Knights fans scratching their heads.

Everyone knows where the Vegas Golden Knights are in the NHL standings. The NHL’s newest franchise no longer needs an introduction. This team is for real and hungry for a Stanley Cup title in its first year of existence.

With the trade deadline approaching, you’d have to think the Golden Knights would either buy or stand pat at the NHL Trade Deadline. They’re in a fantastic spot to make a huge run and excite the Vegas faithful with more magic at T-Mobile Arena during April, May and hopefully June. However, they might have to do it without one of their best players.

According to Brain Lawton of NHL Network, he is hearing James Neal is on the trade market and multiple teams are interested in the Golden Knights forward. This came out of left field considering Vegas is without a doubt going to the playoffs; you would think Neal would be apart of this group. Is there a chance Golden Knights general manager George McPhee trades Neal?

We need to consider some things. McPhee is thinking about the future of his organization, and he wants to accumulate assets. And there’s no doubt if the Golden Knights make the Whitby, Ontario native available, that he would be the biggest target out on the trade market.

The 30-year old is under contract only for this season, and he is due for a massive payday in the summer. In 55 games played, he has notched 24 goals, 13 assists, and 37 points. With much of the campaign remaining, Neal is currently on pace to net 36 on the year.

Let’s face it; the return would have to be pretty substantial if the Golden Knights decide to move on from the gritty veteran. McPhee is smart enough to know if the package for Neal is far too low. But if a team comes knocking at the door with a potential top prospect and a high draft pick, it would be tough for McPhee to pass that up.

Many fans would not be happy if “Real Deal” went to another team for future assets. Vegas desperately wanted a hockey team, and they earned it. Now they want the Cup so what if McPhee decides to trade Neal. What would be the message to the fans?

Its a tight position for McPhee to be in at the Trade Deadline. If they keep him and the Golden Knights falter early on in the postseason, Neal might want out of Vegas in the offseason. And if they do decide to trade him, the chances for the expansion franchise to make a deep run drops significantly.

In my opinion, I would let Neal ride it out in Vegas and try to make history. Not many chances come along such as this one. Having a player like Neal with so much playoff experience on this club is a big boost.

In 80 career postseason games, he accumulated 25 goals, 19 assists, and 44 points. He is the type of player the Golden Knights need on this run. Overall, he’s the Golden Knights best goal scorer and potentially trading him wouldn’t make much sense to me. Not only is he a bonafide goal scorer but he’s also a locker room presence and has a ton of veteran leadership.

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All in all, I don’t think the Vegas Golden Knights will trade James Neal at the deadline. Although, I wouldn’t be shocked if it happened within the next two weeks. The NHL Trade Deadline is two weeks away, and we will have full coverage for you if a deal transpires involving our Golden Knights.