Take from a conference rival
James Neal is gone. We know that. The spot left open accounted for 41 goals. That cost the team $5 million dollars. What would you say to a player that, though a few years older, scored more goals and assists, and has a higher scoring percentage? And, he was part of a team the Nashville Predators beat in the playoffs.
There is such a player. The name? Patrick Eaves. In 2016-17, Eaves finished with 51 points, scoring on 15.3% of his shots. He also plays aggressively on defense with 89 hits, 43 blocks, and 30 takeaways. All are comparable to Neal. Most are better.
Their are two added bonuses. First, he was a Nashville Predator, coming to the team in the same trade that brought Calle Jarnkrok in 2014. He only played 5 games, but the team is aware of what he can do. Additionally, his contract in 2016-17 was a whopping $1 million. Eaves is older, turning 33 back in May, but last season was his best. Paying $3 million a year for what he can do would be a steal.