James Neal Waived by Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers announced on Saturday they have decided to put veteran forward James Neal on waivers. 

James Neal (EDM) on waivers

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 13, 2021

The move certainly comes as a bit of a surprise. The 33-year-old Neal has two years left on his contract after this season at $5.75 million against the cap. So far this season, Neal has struggled to find the back of the net as he's only scored two goals and three points total in nine games.

 

The Edmonton Oilers have placed James Neal on waivers. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/jal0inqmUk

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) February 13, 2021

Neal recently met with head coach Dave Tippett for a lengthy meeting at practice and then played his next game on the top line, to then get waived. It's obvious what ever his coach told him to do wasn't accomplished by Neal and now he's been made available to every other team in the league.

With a hefty cap hit and limited production, it's not likely a team claims Neal on Sunday.

Photo credit: Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire