Chris Neil has played for only one NHL team -- the Ottawa Senators -- and it appears both parties are close to extending that relationship for next year.
Postmedia has learned talks between the Senators and Neil’s Toronto-based agent Todd Reynolds to get a new deal in place have intensified this weekend with an eye towards getting something done in the near future. It will likely be a one-year, $1.5-million deal.
Senators GM Bryan Murray told reporters in Vancouver last Wednesday he’d already had talks with Neil’s camp about an extension and both sides would like him to finish his career in Ottawa. Murray said that Neil wouldn’t be dealt at Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.
The rugged 36-year-old winger is a pending unrestricted free agent, currently in the final year of a three-year contract worth a cap hit of $1.9 million, while his NHL salary for this season is $1.5 million, as per General Fanager.
Known more for throwing fisticuffs, Neil has three goals and 10 points, to go along with 122 penalty minutes, in 62 games.