It certainly doesn't help them. They were doing site studies, however this can likely be explained away since it was the Roger's Group that was doing the studies and was prior to them being a part of the group that included Bon Jovi and Tannenbaum.
Thought this was pretty cool, Behind the Bule and Gold type video showing the James Neal trade negotiation.
Http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/get-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-the-james-neal-trade-from-david-poiles-perspective/
My concern is he's only signed through next season. So are you better off dealing him now when the return may be better? Or waiting until the deadline to make a decision if you want him back and risk getting less in a trade or getting nothing at all if he walks in free agency.