Chris Neil Signs With the Senators

In an off-season that has seen a handful of free agent players such as Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik and Martin Havlat leave their respective clubs for more money, it’s refreshing to read about someone like long time Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil who turned down more money on the open market to stay in the place he loves which is Ottawa. This seven- year veteran who was drafted sixth round in 1998 by the Senators has seen his popularity grow over the years in the nations capital as a result of his rugged play and his willingness to drop the gloves. Known as a character guy this 30 year-old had 10 points in 60 games last year and a whopping 146 penalty minutes. Contrary to his teammate Dany Heatley who wants out of Ottawa Neal said upon agreeing to a four- year 8 million dollar deal that he loves Ottawa and wanted to stay. This 6′ 1″ 214 pound Toronto native turned down more lucrative deals offered by the New York Rangers (Four years at 2.3 million per season) and similar lucrative deals drawn up by the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Neal who had his best season in 2005/06 with 33 points has played in 511 games and has scored 61 goals and 134 points. In my opinion it’s a refreshing change to hear an athlete turn down more money in showing loyalty to the organization that originally drafted him back on day one.