Who Da New Guy?

James Neal, the centerpiece of the Goligoski-Neal trade was born on 9/3/87 in Oshkawa, Ontario Canada. He is a 6'3" 210 lb LW with a left handed shot. Following his rookie season in the OHL, Neal was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 2nd round of the 2005 NHL entry draft, 33rd overall. In 2006-07, Neal led the Plymouth Whalers to the Memorial Cup, leading all scorers with 5 goals in the tournament, after posting 27 goals and 65 points in just 45 games. In 2007-08, Neal played with the Dallas affilitate, Iowa Stars, before making it to the NHL for the 2008-09 season. Neal scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game on 10/08/08 against Pascal Leclaire and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He had his first NHL fight on 12/18/08, knocking Columbus' Derrick Brassard out for the year in the process. Finally, Neal got his first NHL hat trick a few days later in an 8-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. James was picked to play that year in the Young Stars game during the 2008 NHL All-Star game. That same season Neal broke the Dallas Stars' rookie goal scoring record held by Jussi Jokkinen(17). Neal finished his rookie campaign with 24 goals and 37 points. In 2009-10 Neal added 27 goals, and 55 points. At the time of his trade to Pittsburgh this season, Neal had potted 21 goals, and 39 overall points. He has yet to score in four games as a Penguin, but you can see the physical element of his game, and his powerful shot. Neal also played for Team Canada with Kris Letang, where they won Gold for Team Canada in the 2007 World Juniors. Two years later he helped Team Canada's men's team to a silver medal in the IHF World Championships. A former NHL GM last week predicted that Neal could hit 50 goals playing on a wing with Crosby or Malkin. Neal is signed through next season with a cap hit of 2.75M. Welcome to Pittsburgh Real Deal James Neal!