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Remembering a Former Golden Knight: James Neal

James Neal made plenty of history with the Vegas Golden Knights. Here's the other aspects that made him part of the franchise's history.

By Jacob Walters |
2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Four
2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Four / Gregory Shamus/GettyImages
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The story of the Vegas Golden Knights's first season is one for the history books. From winning the Pacific Division in their first season to making the Stanley Cup Finals, 2017-2018 was a magical season for the Golden Knights. The historical run spawned numerous folk heroes within the Las Vegas community, giving birth to the "Golden Misfits."

For one particular "Misfit," he's the center of some Vegas Golden Knights history. James Neal is known for scoring the first goal in franchise history on October 6, 2017, against the Dallas Stars. In fact, he scored the first two, en route to the first victory in Golden Knights history.

So what made James Neal special? What other memorable moments did the Canadian winger have that made him a bona fide "Misfit?" Here's how Neal made himself part of the franchise's history, helping the Golden Knights grow into the top franchise they are today.

1. Vegas Origins

2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two
2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two / Isaac Brekken/GettyImages

James Neal was another original expansion draft selection for the Vegas Golden Knights. He was one of the unprotected players for the Nashville Predators, being picked just before Deryk Engelland.

Neal spent his time on the Golden Knights' top line, putting out a productive season (more on that later). Of course, that should've come as no surprise, considering Neal scored 20+ goals in six straight seasons. The 36-year-old had successful tenures with Dallas (72 goals, 59 assists), Pittsburgh (89 goals, 95 assists) and Nashville (77 goals, 59 assists).

2. James Neal's Stat Line

2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two
2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Neal might've played one season for the Vegas Golden Knights, playing in 2017-2018. However, he did have a productive season, scoring 25 goals and 19 assists in 71 games. That included five power play goals, where he made an impact on special teams.

The Canadian winger also contributed during the Golden Knights's magical run, scoring six goals and five assists. He had significant ice time during his tenure, clocking 17:05 of average total ice time. Such a stat line was impactful, despite just playing one season for the Golden Knights.

3. James Neal's Work Now

Indianapolis Colts v Las Vegas Raiders
Indianapolis Colts v Las Vegas Raiders / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

After the 2017-2018 season, he departed for the Calgary Flames, where he signed a five-year, $28.75 million deal. He vastly underperformed, only scoring 19 points before being pushed off to the Edmonton Oilers for Milan Lucic and a 2020 conditional third-round pick the next season.

James Neal had a brief stint with the St. Louis Blues in 2021-2022. The winger signed a one-year deal with the Blues before being placed on waivers on January 2, 2022. His last sighting was with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he tried out before the 2022-2023 season. He lasted for a month before being released from his professional tryout on October 3, 2022.

The Canadian player admitted his career dipped during his Calgary days. He was withering away on the Flames fourth line, wasting his time with the Alberta-based franchise. While Calgary might've been a steaming pile of cow dung for Neal, Vegas Golden Knights fans will remember him for how he propelled the franchise to unprecedented success.

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