Written by Graeme Nichols | 25 February 2009

With only a week to go before the NHL's Trade Deadline, there's still a lot of uncertainty as to whether Bryan Murray will resign Chris Neil or parlay him into future assets for the organization.

While negotiations between the Neil camp and Bryan Murray have been ongoing, both sides have legitimate arguments to be made for determining Neil's worth.

There's no question that if Chris Neil hits the market, some GM will spend approximately $2-million to bring in Neil's toughness. He's approaching his first and probably only opportunity for a big payday. You could hardly blame the guy for wanting to maximize his income after years of doing the dirty work here in town.

Conversely, as an aging veteran whose production has significantly deteriorated for two consecutive seasons, Neil's value for Senators is worth significantly less than what he could get on the open market. If Neil's not worth the money he wants now, how can you justify paying him at that rate 2-3 years from now? Simply put, you can't and that's why Bryan Murray should maximize Neil's value while it's this high.

Interestingly, there are some within the room who are doing their best to convince Neil that staying in Ottawa at a discount is the appropriate thing to do. While Mike Comrie's return should serve as a reminder that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, Jason Spezza has apparently gone out of his way to convince Neil to sign in Ottawa.

Centre Jason Spezza is among those who have advised Neil to stay in Ottawa.

Why?

Because Neil, his wife and baby daughter are settled in Ottawa, like it here and the extra money might not be worth uprooting a family, selling a home and buying another.

That's Spezza's rationale. ~ Wayne Scanlan, The Ottawa Citizen

All I have to say is, wow, what a selfish dick-headed thing to do! It's not very leaderly of him at all. If this conversation with Neil included laughter and took place over a brew, we should all be pissed!

For the Record:

According to the Sun's Roundtable discussion, Bruce Garrioch thinks Neil will resign here BUT if he doesn't, Boo Boo thinks he'll wind up in the 416 wearing the blue and white. If this happens, Neil should be hung in the gallows for high treason.

Oh, and Don Brennan thinks Neil can consistently be a 10-15 goal scorer. Yikes.

< Prev		Next >