Oilers to keep pick in Neal trade if season cannot resume

This morning, Edmonton Oilers General Manager, Ken Holland, jumped on a conference call where he told reporters that it is his understanding that the team would keep their conditional third-round pick from last summer’s Lucic for Neal trade should the season not be able to resume.

Back on July 19th, the Oilers acquired James Neal in exchange for Milan Lucic, a conditional 3rd round pick, and some retained salary. The Flames would only receive the draft pick if Neal was able to score at least 21 goals with Lucic scoring 10 or fewer goals than his counterpart. When the season was suspended on March 12th, Neal was two goals shy of fulfilling the conditions on the included pick, meaning the Oilers would keep their selection in the upcoming 2020 NHL Entry Draft (whenever that will be). At least, that’s how Ken Holland sees it anyway.

In 55 games played, Neal registered 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points for the Oilers. Down in Calgary, Milan Lucic had eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 68 games played for the Flames. I guess we can keep calling this deal a win for the Oilers all around, shall we?