Nashville Predators: Exposing Neal in the Expansion Draft is right move

The list of protected players for the Expansion Draft is released, and the fan response speaks volumes. Yet, exposing Neal is the right move for the Nashville Predators.

To say people are suffering from shock by the announcement of the protected player list would not be fair. Even we predicted most of it. Yet, the fan response to the Expansion Draft list released by the Nashville Predators says quite a bit. They love James Neal.

However, the Predators decided to leave him exposed for selection by the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year old winger may be wondering what is next for his career, and if the team wants him around. That is not the message the team wants to send, as his performance took the team make it to the Stanley Cup Final. This is purely business. And it is the right move.

Here is why.

Fact: The Nashville Predators are build around their defensemen. While they could have saved only three defensemen, allowing them to save seven other skaters, they had to save four. Why? Because Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm, and P. K. Subban are important to the team’s concept. Period. All four are under contract through the 2018-19 season. There is a drop in depth after them, and only single-year contracts.

The defensemen protected are among the team’s leaders in scoring. Each of them played in 66 or more games. Protecting all four was important. The problem is that it leaves players, like Colton Sissions, Pontus Aberg, and Neal left dangling in the wind.

One additional controversy expressed on Twitter is why Calle Jarnkrok is protected over Sissions and Neal. That is a simple answer. Jarnkrok is under contract through the 2021-22 season at the rate of only $2 million per year. Saving the contract gives the Nashville Predators consistent numbers to plan for the future. That will keep them in Stanley Cup contention.

James Neal, three weeks ago: "It's nice to be on a team where you're wanted."

Present day: He is exposed in the expansion draft.
— Alex (@alb_971) June 18, 2017

But….Neal?

Yes, Neal is open. And if he leaves, it helps the Predators. Yes. It helps them. While he was sixth on the team in points, and third in goals, he was last in plus/minus. Plus, his $5 million dollar contract opens room to sign another scoring forward. Furthermore, Neal is not as strong on defense as other players.

Neal is a very good player. But, he is coming off an injury and is getting older. The youth on this team is ready to shine, and openings are coming. Should Vegas select Neal, players like Sissions, Arvidsson, and Aberg will get chance to grow.

Next: Expansion Draft FAQ

Just because a player is left unprotected does not mean they are gone. Still, it is hard to think Neal could be on another team. It is the right move to leave him unprotected.

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