Imagine having nearly a RNH in buyout money. Plus the Lucic retention that's over 6 million, that's a top 6 winger in unusable money.

Because smart teams tie up 5.2 million in buy outs

Because it’s for 6 years. If that’s the last resort, I would do it, but if there is other options I wouldn't.

Because maybe having 6.48M, 4.15M, 4.15M in dead money in a flat cap world isnt the most enticing thing in the world.

Not to mention 1.9 for 3 more years after that!

Remember, he was able to trade Lucic.. who's to say he wouldn't be able to do that to Neal's "friendlier" contract?

Also, Kraken incoming.

Y'all are really something wow

So naturally 1.9x6 (12) is 6M less than 5.7x3 (18)

6 Million dollars. Jesus. McJesus, even...

A much smaller amount spread more evenly = 👍

Noone seems to appreciate that the buyout is harm reduction I'm obv not saying it's a pleasant situation overall but good grief what a lovely improvement

The McDavid/Draisaitl cup window is precious! So extemely rare to have two 100+ point scorers in prime. Likely they only do that for ~3 more years.

Crosby lasted 8, Malkin like 5, Stamkos about 4, ovechkin for 5, Sedins just 2, Thornton ~ 5, etc.

So these next 3 years are extremely crucial and 4M savings each season to add a good FA like Tyson Barrie -among other options- is absolutely fantastic

4M in savings with a stagnant cap no less, yeesh

Then the other $ comes when the cap goes up

The fact it saves money alone is worth it but, yeah

Man, most people here are either jerks or schmos

Amazing how everyone replied negatively after 30 seconds of reading and didn't even do a few seconds worth of math to realize it's 6M in savings... wow

Stuff like that happens so often here it's brutal

Jeepers

Everyone has done the math, many times. The fact that you didn't know about the buyout amount before now tells me that its YOU that's behind.

A team like the Oilers couldn't care less about real dollars spent or saved, it's all cap money that is tied up in 6 million dollars on buyout money. it makes zero sense/

Look at it this way. If you buyout Neal, that may mean a savings of 3.85M for 3 years but you're also losing a player, one that scored 19 in a shortened season.

Who is going to replace that production?
How much are 20 goal scorers in this league worth?
How much of an upgrade is that potential $3.85M player both in terms of PP prowess and playoff experience going to be?

There are still two scenarios in play: trade & expansion draft.
Either of these two are better than buying him out outright.