Ottawa Signs Chris Neil to Three-Year Contract Extension
 

OTTAWA - Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray announced today that the club has signed forward Chris Neil to a three-year contract extension through the 2015-16 NHL season.

Neil, 33, recently completed his 10th season in the National Hockey League and has played each of his 731 NHL contests for the Senators. His most recent point, an assist in a 5-1 victory at the New York Islanders on April 1, was the 200th of his NHL career.

A native of Flesherton, Ont., Neil concluded the 2011-12 campaign with 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 72 games. That total matched his output from the 2006-07 season, which was his second highest point-producing NHL campaign. Neil established his current career high of 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) over 79 contests in 2005-06.

The Senators franchise leader in penalty minutes in both the regular season (1,861) and in the post-season (153), Neil became the fourth player (Alfredsson, Phillips, Redden) to play in 700 games for Ottawa when he did so last Jan. 21 at Anaheim. In his career with the club, he has recorded 90 goals and 110 assists. His 200 points rank 13th on the club’s all-time points list.

On April 14, Neil became the 12th player in franchise history to record a playoff overtime-winning goal, when he helped lift the Senators to a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference quarter-final series.

Neil was Ottawa’s sixth-round pick, 161st overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

Already on contract for 12-13.

Extension for 13-14, 14-15, 15-16.

5.75 mil total. Cap hit under 2 mil.

the san jose sharks need a guy like this. a real mean type of guy who can score a little but grind and annoy. of ocurse they never go after these guys anymore.

Yea because they don't have Ryane Clowe.

god damn it, ive been waiting forever for this guy to this the market so the flyers can get him. he'd be perfect in orange and black.

George Parros vs Ryane Clowe Jan 21, 2010 -...

Ryane Clowe vs Jim Vandermeer Oct 7, 2005 -...

Clowe is a light-heavyweight... or a HW by new-NHL standards... there are teams that need more tough guys than the Sharks. I think the Sharks were okay if they had Vandermeer in the line-up more often.

Every team needs a Chris Neil. Heart and soul, loyal guy, willing to drop the gloves for a teammate, and plays hard every shift. Nice to see one tough guy getting treated right around the league.

you think i dont know about clowes style? what a stupid post. people jsut try and get at people on this site to show off their knowledge right away. Clowe some nights doesnt push the envelope. Neil gets more nasty and is a better fighter. Clowe is also on 2nd line and hates the box.

There are teams that need this type of player more than the Sharks.

You were not right by saying that the Sharks never targetted these players. You have Ryane Clowe.

He just hit the market two years ago. I don't think the Flyers made much of an effort and it came down to Ottawa and the Rangers, who offered Neil more money and an extra year. Unfortunately for the Rangers, Neil is one of the true loyal players in the league and resigned with Ottawa regardless. Nice to see his loyalty rewarded as they basically turn that 3 year deal into a 6 year deal. I don't think there is a player I respect more than this guy.

The Sens have gotten a lot softer this off season, Neil should be busy. Good signing for the Sen. I would take Neil on my team any day.

Neil is awesome. Keep on chuckin

You are not right saying that he said "The Sharks never targeted these players". He said the Sharks do not target these players anymore, implying present tense. How long has Clowe been in the organization?

And who the fXck cares if other teams need him more? He wants a Chris Neil type player on his team like we all do. Clowe scores more and plays a less physical game anyway so the two shouldn't be talked about like they are the same. Belak's post was good but leave it to you to try and ride his coattails and dumb up his point.

I didn't think he'd re-sign. After Ottawa let Konopka and Carkner walk, and (again) left Neil as the team's Chief of Police, I figured he would leave and go somewhere tougher.

What a ridiculously low price for a player like this. He certainly took a team (home town) discount here. A very loyal player.

Every team could use a guy like this. One of my favs.