It might only be 300km north on Highway 2, but it's still a new opportunity for James Neal.
The phrase "fresh start" has been bounced around over the last day since the Milan Lucic for James Neal deal was completed.
A one-time 40-goal scorer and 270 markers in 766 games, James Neal is hoping that his 2018-19 season was a mere blip on his career stat sheet. Coming into last season, the Whitby, Ontario product had notched 20 goals or more in all 10 of his seasons in the NHL.
Now on his fourth team in four years, Neal is hoping to put last year's disappointing campaign behind him and prepare for a new beginning in Edmonton.
Expected to produce in a top-six role after inking a five-year, $28.75 million contract with the Flames last summer, Neal severely underwhelmed with just seven goals in 63 games.
Speaking with Tony Brar of the Oilers' website, the sharpshooter addressed why things might work out better in Edmonton than Cowtown.
"I play my best hockey around guys that can move the puck. For me, I'm a shooter and I do my best hockey when I'm getting open and finding fresh ice."
The Oilers have a bevy of talented centres who can get Neal the puck in Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Converting on just 5 percent of his shots taken last year, Neal sports a career shooting percentage of 11.6 and should see his goal totals rise next year.
"Obviously, Calgary was a tough go. "It was hard last year and we'll have a great year this year. I'm just looking forward to next season."
Neal trains with McDavid in the offseason under the tutledge of Gary Roberts. Asked about the chance of playing with the game's most electrifying player, Neal couldn't help but laugh at the McDavid's blazing speed.
"I'm just trying to skate as fast as he can. We're stride for stride," laughed Neal.
"There's lots of good things happening here. "We'll just look forward from here on in.
