Flames continue adding scoring punch with James Neal signing

The Calgary Flames aren’t resting on any mediocre laurels this offseason, and James Neal is the biggest move to add some scoring punch.

After missing the playoffs by a fair margin this spring, the Calgary Flames have had an active offseason. Bill Peters is in place as the new man behind the bench, defenseman Noah Hanifin and winger Elias Lindholm were acquired in a trade and centers Derek Ryan and Austin Czarnik signed on the first day of free agency. But a bigger fish is now coming. According to multiple reports, the Flames have signed free agent winger James Neal.

Bob McKenzie of TSN and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet both reported a five-year deal worth $28.75 for Neal ($5.75 million average annual value), who spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. Over 71 regular season games for the surprising expansion team, the 30-year old had 44 points (25 goals, 19 assists) with five power play goals. In 20 playoff games during Vegas’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, Neal had 11 points (six goals, five assists).

By nearly every noticeable measure, the Flames were one of the worst offensive teams in the NHL last year. Though not for a lack of effort (33.6 shots per game; sixth-most in the league), they were 27th in the league in goals (2.63 per game). As could then be expected, they were tied for 28th in power play percentage (16 percent) and tied for 23rd in power play goals (43).

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Neal has scored more than 20 goals in each of his 10 NHL seasons, with at least nine power play goals in a season four times (a league-leading 18 power play goals in 2011-12 with the Pittsburgh Penguins). His results on the man advantage have diminished lately, with five or fewer power play tallies in four straight seasons, but Neal will give the Flames a much-needed proven goal scorer and sniper.