As crazy as that sounds it is somewhat possible. I hope not for the sake of Neal and his personal life but some athletes that have had COVID developed heart issues. When it comes to COVID there is much we still don’t know. Again for that to work it would be incredibly unfortunate for Neal.

From what i gather he is up and down with his health and ability to play and push himself physically.

I hope he’s alright. Would much rather buy him out take the penalty but know he’s got a clean bill of health.

Additional Details:
James Neal and Edmonton do a mutual contract resolution.
Do to post covid symptoms Neal retires and gets paid the remaining of his contract without it counting against the cap.

I'm not an expert, but I don't think it works like this

Matt Niskanen retired and forfeited all of his salary this season

Hence why he said “mutual resolution” he retires but Edmonton agrees to pay out what’s left of his contract after he announces retirement. Therefore nealer still gets paid and Edmonton doesn’t have that cap hit of a buyout

Another way they can do it is he pulls a klefbom and goes on LTIR.