Can't see Bear being enough compensation for taking Neal, especially if Francis has claimed that he won't take big contracts without huge compensation.

Maybe it isn’t but I’m sure there would be a team willing to buy out Neal to get bear. Honestly Ottawa is the team that makes a lot of sense to me they could avoid doing buyout all together and bear would be amazing fit with Chabot long term. Just didn’t want to argue with sens fans about that since they likely haven’t seen as much of bear which is understandable.

Doesn't sound like Melnyk to add salary for no compensation but that's just me. They'd probably still want a pick too.

Perhaps. I’d be open to a mid pick or a mid level prospect being included.