Edmonton does that trade in a heartbeat

Oilers fans would do that trade but I dont See NJ doing that unfortunately

I wouldn't want Neal blocking Mercer, Clarke, Thompson or Gritsyuk for two years.
If there were some combination with just Koskinen and Bear that fits, I'd rather see that.

As an Oilers fan I wouldn't do it...too high a price.

Ehh you can bury Neal the AHL for 2 years, maybe some team will take him with a 3rd 50% retained, or his buyout is $1,916,667 for 4 years. However I would only take Neal if a 1st was coming back.

I think if Edmonton was offered this they would do it in a second. Would be hard to see Bear go but that opens the door to re-sign Larsson, give Bouchard a go, and have cap space to bring in another RHD. Bouchard really looks ready but I don't know about him and Bear in starting line-up for the year with out a veteran insurance policy.

Would u still do the deal if the second turned to a first and our third turns to a second

Most of those guys play in AHL.
Don't want to stunt their development sitting in Utica skybox (or 2nd floor...or whatever they got up there).

I would take the deal....but just immediately buy him out.
And would still probably prefer just Koskinen and Bear if thats an option.

Nope. First round picks are too important while we aren't true contenders. It's different once you get onto the Vegas/Tampa/Colorado tier where it's go time every year. Right now we need to have our pipeline of talented players on ELCs to navigate the cap staying flat as long as it's expected. Especially in Edmonton where climate and taxes make us a less attractive destination than most we can't rely on UFAs... drafting is the only real way to build the team. We'll never get the Tampa treatment where guys sign for a discount so you need to supplement the team through the draft.

easy yes from the oilers