Ottawa Senators' Chris Neil takes high road over anti-NHLPA comments by Washington Capitals' Roman Hamrlik Won't join in bashing defenceman, proves he's a better teammate than Scott Hartnell, Troy Brouwer By DON BRENNAN, QMI Agency

Ottawa Senators' Chris Neil, left, has a laugh on the bench during practice with the Carleton Ravens' men's hockey team at the Ice House Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012. Darren Brown/Ottawa Sun/QMI Agency Jones: New downtown Edmonton arena back on track?

Chris Neil makes no secret of the fact he will seek retribution for on-ice actions against him or a teammate.

But for words he does not agree with during the lockout? That’s just not his style.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” said Neil — the Senators’ all-time PIMs leader and one of the NHL’s toughest individuals — after skating with the Carleton Ravens Wednesday. “The way our society is nowadays, it’s freedom of speech, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”