James Neals nets a Hat Trick first game after PTO

Will it be enough to get Neal a new contract for the 2021-2022 season? The Blues are close to the NHL salary cap and it is questionable whether they can afford to re-sign Neal. The good news for Neal is that a professional tryout offer does not bind him to the Blues, and his three goal performance has no doubt drew the attention of other teams in the league. The first goal was a fluke, and the third was an empty netter, but it was still remarkable.

"Last year was tough. Nothing was right, it took me a long time to get over it," admitted Neal. "Just kind of fell behind, then getting bought out and trying to figure out a new path and what I wanted to do. I just kind of focused on myself and getting myself on getting in the shape that I need to be. If I did that, I felt things would take care of themselves. Here I find myself fighting for a job, which is a great way to do it."

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