James Neal
RW FA
Tue 2/2/21 2:40 PM

Neal will be a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game versus the Senators, Jason Gregor of OilersNation.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
This comes as a bit of a surprise, as Neal just potted two goals in Sunday's 8-5 win over Ottawa. The veteran winger will likely return to the lineup for Saturday's clash with Calgary.

James Neal
RW FA
Mon 2/1/21 1:03 AM

Neal scored two goals, one on the power play, in Sunday's 8-5 win over the Senators.
EDGE Analysis
The two tallies were Neal's first lamp-lighters in 2020-21. The 33-year-old winger is up to three points, 17 shots on goal and eight hits through six appearances. The power-play goal was also his first point with the man advantage.

James Neal
RW FA
Mon 1/25/21 1:46 AM

Neal recorded an assist, three shots on goal, two hits and a plus-2 rating in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Jets.
EDGE Analysis
Neal earned the secondary helper on Kyle Turris' first goal as an Oiler. Sunday was Neal's second game of the season -- the veteran winger has six shots on net, three hits and an even plus-minus rating in a bottom-six role. A role on the power play will keep Neal in the presence of Edmonton's superstars, but his even-strength assignments leave plenty to be desired.

James Neal
RW FA
Fri 1/22/21 2:45 PM1 Comment

Neal will make his season debut Friday against Toronto, Jason Gregor of Oilers Nation reports.
EDGE Analysis
Neal missed the entirety of training camp as well as the Oilers' first five games of the season due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, but he's been skating since last Friday, so he shouldn't have any limitations against the Maple Leafs. The veteran winger is expected to skate on Edmonton's fourth line and first power-play unit Friday.

James Neal
RW FA
Thu 1/21/21 2:45 PM

Neal could make his season debut Friday against Toronto, Ryan Rishaug of TSN.ca reports.
EDGE Analysis
Neal missed training camp as well as Edmonton's first five contests of the campaign due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, but he's been practicing for the last seven days, so it's safe to assume he's close to being ready for game action. Another update on the veteran winger's status should be released following Friday's morning skate.

James Neal
RW FA
Fri 1/15/21 6:59 PM

Neal was removed from the COVID-19 protocol list Friday, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reports.
EDGE Analysis
Neal returned to practice Friday and there's a chance he'll be able to suit up for Saturday's contest against the Canadiens. The 33-year-old winger scored 31 points in 55 games with Edmonton last season.

James Neal
RW FA
Fri 1/15/21 3:37 PM

Neal (COVID-19 protocols) started skating Friday.
EDGE Analysis
Neal missed the entirety of Edmonton's training camp due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols, so he'll need some time to get up to speed before joining the Oilers' active roster. Once cleared, the veteran winger will likely settle into a middle-six role as well as a spot on one of Edmonton's man-advantage units.

James Neal
RW FA
Wed 1/13/21 6:48 PM

Neal is unavailable due to the league's COVID-19 protocols.
EDGE Analysis
It was reported earlier that Neal was set to miss Wednesday's game against Vancouver, as he had that absence clarified. It's unclear when the veteran will gain clearance, but he won't be able to practice or travel with the team. General manager Ken Holland said Wednesday that he expects Neal to be back next week, but there's no timetable for his return. Look for Alex Chiasson to handle a bottom-six role with Neal sidelined for Wednesday's game.

James Neal
RW FA
Wed 1/13/21 1:44 PM

Neal (undisclosed) is expected to miss another week, Jason Gregor of OilersNation.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
That rules Neal out of Wednesday's season opener versus the Canucks. He'll also likely miss Thursday versus the Canucks and Saturday against the Canadiens. Once Neal is healthy, he'll likely play in the bottom six to start the year, but he could earn some power play minutes.

James Neal
RW FA
Fri 1/8/21 1:21 PM

Neal (undisclosed) has begun skating but could be out long term. Coach Dave Tippet told reporters Friday, "I don't anticipate either one back anytime soon" Reid Wilkins of 630 CHED reports.
EDGE Analysis
Neal is coming off a resurgent season with the Oilers in which he registered 19 goals and 12 helpers in 55 appearances. With the winger potentially unavailable for the start of the season, Dominik Kahun could be in line to replace him in a top-six role alongside Leon Draistaitl.