Brandon Saad

Big News for Hockey Fans: Brandon Saad Placed on Waivers

The NHL world is buzzing with news that veteran winger Brandon Saad has been placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues. This move, announced by Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong on Tuesday, has sent ripples through the league and sparked conversations among hockey fans and analysts alike. For California hockey enthusiasts, this means a potential shake-up in team rosters and a chance for a new player to join their favourite team. Let's dive into what this means for Saad and the NHL.

What's the Deal with Saad on Waivers?

The St. Louis Blues have officially placed Brandon Saad on waivers, a significant development for the 32-year-old forward. As reported by TSN, "The St. Louis Blues will be placing veteran winger Brandon Saad on waivers Tuesday, general manager Doug Armstrong announced." This decision indicates that the Blues are willing to let any other NHL team claim Saad and take on his contract. For California fans, this means your team could potentially acquire a player with a proven track record.

TVA Sports further highlights the situation, noting, “L'ailier gauche de 32 ans dispute une quatrième saison au Missouri, mais il s'agit de loin de sa moins productive. En 43 rencontres, il n'a que 16 points.” In English, this translates to Saad having a less productive season with only 16 points in 43 games, marking a significant drop from his previous performance. This move by the Blues indicates they’re looking to shake things up.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Events

Here's a quick look at the recent developments:

• Tuesday: The St. Louis Blues officially announce they are placing Brandon Saad on waivers. This news breaks across major sports networks like TSN and TVA Sports.
• Ongoing: Other NHL teams now have a window to claim Saad off waivers. If no team claims him, he could be assigned to the Blues' AHL affiliate.
• Future: We are watching to see if another NHL team picks him up, and what role he might play on a new team.

A Look Back: Saad's Career and Context

Brandon Saad is no stranger to success in the NHL. Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011, he became a key part of their two Stanley Cup-winning teams. According to unverified reports, Saad signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Blues as a free agent on July 29, 2021. In his first season with the Blues, he put up impressive numbers, tallying 24 goals and 25 assists for 49 points in 78 games. However, this season hasn't been as fruitful.

Saad's journey has taken him through multiple teams, showcasing his versatility and value as a player. Before landing in St. Louis, he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche. According to Wikipedia, “Brandon Saad is an American ice hockey forward who plays for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL. He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 and won two Stanley Cups with them before being traded to Columbus and Colorado." This history adds a layer of context to the waiver situation, reminding us of Saad’s proven ability.

What Does This Mean Right Now?

The immediate effect of Saad being placed on waivers is that other NHL teams have a 24-hour window to claim him. If a team does claim him, they will take on his $4.5 million cap hit through next season. This is a significant factor for any team considering picking him up. Teams will be weighing his current performance against his potential and the financial implications.

For the St. Louis Blues, this move is likely about creating cap space and potentially making room for younger players. As Daily Faceoff reported, the Blues are looking to "open up some space for..." other players. This decision reflects the Blues' strategic approach to team building and their desire to improve their roster.

For California teams, this could be an opportunity to add a veteran player to their lineup. A team might see value in Saad's experience and believe he can bounce back from his current slump. However, they must also consider the financial implications and whether he fits into their long-term plans.

The Future Outlook: What Could Happen Next?

Looking ahead, there are several potential outcomes for Brandon Saad:

1. Claimed by another team: If a team claims him off waivers, Saad will be given a fresh start and a new opportunity to showcase his skills. This would be the most exciting scenario for Saad and for fans in his new city.
2. Assigned to the AHL: If no team claims him, Saad will be assigned to the Blues' AHL affiliate. This would mean he’ll continue playing but at a lower level. This scenario would be a setback for a player of Saad’s caliber.
3. Potential Trade: Even if he clears waivers, the Blues could still try to trade him to another team, possibly retaining a portion of his salary to make the deal more palatable. This option could lead to Saad playing elsewhere in the NHL.

The situation also raises questions about the Blues' strategy. Are they rebuilding? Are they trying to create room for younger players? This move indicates a change in direction for the team, and the impact will be felt by fans across the league. The NHL is a dynamic environment, and this move is a perfect example of how quickly things can change.

For California hockey fans, this situation is worth watching closely. Will one of their teams make a move for Saad? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear, the next few days will be pivotal for Brandon Saad and his career.