Chris Neil = 1000 games!

[Jasmine]

the-legacy-of-chris-neil-ottawa-senators-1000-games

[Jasmine]

https://www.facebook.com/ottawasenators/videos/10154727648039477/

[Alfie11]

It really is an incredible accomplishment for Neil. He plays hard, gritty and physical every game and his body has lasted this long. The fact that he did it all with one team says a lot as well. He survived the rule changes in 2005 and adapted his game to be an effective player.

My favourite Chris Neil stat is that he's never even missed one game due to suspension in his career. For a player like that, a guy who plays on the line, it's amazing how he never has and has been able to despite different rule changes over the years.

I'd imagine this will be his last season in the NHL sand he'll retire a Senator. While I wouldn't go as far as to retire his jersey, he definitely deserves all the respect he gets.

[Matt the Aussie]

As much as I've grumbled about Neil in the past, it is truly an accomplishment to still be in the league after 1000 games with the same team. That's hard enough as an elite scorer - Neil managed it as a grinder, a hitter, someone who just went to work every day.

I still remember the last contract he signed. The Leafs (and Rangers I think) offered him more money but he chose to stay in Ottawa. It was a smart move in the end as I'm sure Toronto would have turfed him long ago. For a while there he was part of a great line in Ruutu-Kelly-Neil. Kelly brought the responsibility and Ruutu and Neil all sorts of antics.

[Josh]

It really is an incredible accomplishment for Neil. He plays hard, gritty and physical every game and his body has lasted this long. The fact that he did it all with one team says a lot as well. He survived the rule changes in 2005 and adapted his game to be an effective player.

My favourite Chris Neil stat is that he's never even missed one game due to suspension in his career. For a player like that, a guy who plays on the line, it's amazing how he never has and has been able to despite different rule changes over the years.

I'd imagine this will be his last season in the NHL sand he'll retire a Senator. While I wouldn't go as far as to retire his jersey, he definitely deserves all the respect he gets.

As much as I've grumbled about Neil in the past, it is truly an accomplishment to still be in the league after 1000 games with the same team. That's hard enough as an elite scorer - Neil managed it as a grinder, a hitter, someone who just went to work every day.

I still remember the last contract he signed. The Leafs (and Rangers I think) offered him more money but he chose to stay in Ottawa. It was a smart move in the end as I'm sure Toronto would have turfed him long ago. For a while there he was part of a great line in Ruutu-Kelly-Neil. Kelly brought the responsibility and Ruutu and Neil all sorts of antics.

Great posts. Couldn't say it any better. A true, heart and soul Ottawa Senator for life. I always forget that he's never been suspended.. pretty incredible! At 22nd in all-time PIMs, there must not be anyone with more who's never been suspended?