Agent: I'd be shocked if Golden Knights trade Neal before deadline

James Neal's agent doesn't expect his client to be dealt prior to the NHL's Feb. 26 trade deadline.

The winger is representing the expansion Vegas Golden Knights at the NHL's All-Star festivities in Tampa, Fla., and all signs point to Neal sticking around for a surprise playoff run and contract extension in the weeks ahead.

"I don't negotiate in public, but if the trade deadline comes and goes, I will be shocked if James is on another team," agent Pat Morris said, per Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "No other team has called me and said they are close to acquiring James. I think it's full steam ahead for Vegas, and if we could agree to terms for him to (remain with the Knights) we would welcome that. He loves it there."

Neal can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, and before the season, it was expected he'd be dangled by the first-year club in order to acquire future assets. With Vegas sitting near the top of the league standings, he gives them a real chance at making noise in the playoffs.

"I don't know (owner) Bill Foley, but he obviously has a passion to win," Morris continued. "His timetable of winning in three to five years has obviously changed now. This is not an irresponsible organization. You have to go for it when you have the chance, and James Neal and his play and leadership has been a huge part of what has happened there."

At the All-Star break, Neal sits second on the Golden Knights with 22 goals through 48 games and ranks sixth with 34 points. The 30-year-old played a big role in Nashville's run to the Stanley Cup FInal a year ago before being exposed in the expansion draft.

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