In response to studies from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the St. Louis Blues need to transfer on from Brandon Saad. His report means that the Blues are working with the veteran ahead on a possible commerce. And, whereas Saad has a no-trade clause, each side appear eager to attempt to determine one thing out. Are there some spots across the NHL that make sense?
Saad is a participant that might generate curiosity amongst contending groups in search of ahead depth. Three potential suitors that stand out are the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have a historical past with Saad. He performed a major function of their 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championships. A return to Chicago might carry veteran management to a younger, rebuilding roster headlined by Connor Bedard. Saad’s two-way recreation and expertise might make him a really perfect mentor whereas additionally offering dependable scoring within the center six.
The Blackhawks have made it clear they’ve moved on from the previous regime, which is why Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews weren’t introduced again. Is Saad somebody GM Kyle Davidson would lump into that group?
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are all the time out there for depth forwards, significantly those that can complement their celebrity core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Saad’s versatility to play up and down the lineup, mixed together with his stable defensive instincts and postseason expertise, makes him an interesting addition for a workforce aiming for a deep playoff run.
The wage cap would doubtlessly be a problem between these two groups until the Oilers use the LTIR area they’re accruing or ship one other participant again. The Blues don’t have any wage retention on any gamers, that means they may maintain again some cash on the deal, however Saad is just not a pending UFA, in order that needs to be thought-about.
Washington Capitals
For the Capitals, Saad matches as a flexible winger who can carry stability and veteran presence to a workforce a high of the NHL whereas additionally transitioning to a youthful core. The Capitals’ offense nonetheless runs by means of Alex Ovechkin. Nonetheless, including a participant like Saad, and his two-way reliability and scoring contact would assist spherical out their lineup.
At 32 years previous, Saad stays an efficient middle-six ahead. He has a cap hit of $4.5 million for the rest of this season and subsequent, which is manageable.
Whether or not it’s a reunion in Chicago, a Cup push in Edmonton, or serving to Washington keep on the high of the NHL. Saad shall be moved and will have a huge impact on the subsequent NHL membership he joins.
Subsequent: NHL Commerce Discuss Recap: Sabres, Canucks, Oilers, Canadiens
