Dan’s Daily Links: Neal Traded, Rangers Sign Trouba to Big Contract

The line from Dennis Leary is running through my head–I walk around in the summertime saying “How about this heat?” Of course, you probably know the next line, too. Hockey news has been slow for a solid week, but within minutes of each other, the Edmonton Oilers moved gigantic center (and contract) Milan Lucic to Calgary for former Pittsburgh Penguins winger James Neal, then the Penguins Metro Division rival New York Rangers signed RFA defenseman Jacob Trouba to a hefty extension. And we took a look at the Penguins defense if they were to trade Jack Johnson–spoiler: A Johnson trade would likely require one or two more moves.

The Penguins defense without Jack Johnson. Leave your Corsi calculator in the car (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Finally. The Edmonton Oilers found a trade for Milan Lucic and new GM Ken Holland has made his first big move. The Battle of Alberta, at least for a day, became the Trade of Alberta. (Edmonton Journal)

The New York Rangers announced Jacob Trouba signed a new seven-year contract worth $56 million avoiding the July 25th salary arbitration hearing (New York Post)

Neal scores goals and gets traded. He’ll soon have the well-traveled luggage of Lee Stempniak. Last season was a swoon for Neal. His big contract isn’t looking so hot, but it made good sense at the time. Playing beside a kid named McDavid might help, eh?

The Colorado Avalanche signed the fourth overall pick Draft Bowen Byram to his three-year entry-level contract. Our sister site has the details (Colorado Hockey Now)

The Flames made more headlines, as there is a tentative agreement in place between the team and city of Calgary for a new arena. Goodbye Saddledome. (Calgary Herald)

During an interview at his charity event, Mitch Marner talked about his contract negotiations…he would like to be at camp but won’t go without a deal. (Sportsnet)

Another RFA locked in contract negotiations is Brayden Point. However, his teammate Anthony Cirelli believes that the Lightning and Point will get a contract done. (NHL.com)