3 Potential Landing Spots in Blues’ Brandon Saad Trade

According to reports from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the St. Louis Blues are looking to move on from Brandon Saad. His report suggests that the Blues are working with the veteran forward on a potential trade. And, while Saad has a no-trade clause, both sides seem keen to try and figure something out. Are there some spots around the NHL that make sense?

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Saad is a player that could generate interest among contending teams looking for forward depth. Three potential suitors that stand out are the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks have a history with Saad. He played a significant role in their 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championships. A return to Chicago could bring veteran leadership to a young, rebuilding roster headlined by Connor Bedard. Saad’s two-way game and experience could make him an ideal mentor while also providing reliable scoring in the middle six.

The Blackhawks have made it clear they’ve moved on from the old regime, which is why Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were not brought back. Is Saad someone GM Kyle Davidson would lump into that group?

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are always in the market for depth forwards, particularly those who can complement their superstar core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Saad’s versatility to play up and down the lineup, combined with his solid defensive instincts and postseason experience, makes him an appealing addition for a team aiming for a deep playoff run.

The salary cap would potentially be an issue between these two teams unless the Oilers use the LTIR space they are accruing or send another player back. The Blues have no salary retention on any players, meaning they could hold back some money on the deal, but Saad is not a pending UFA, so that should be considered.

Washington Capitals

For the Capitals, Saad fits as a versatile winger who can bring stability and veteran presence to a team a top of the NHL while also transitioning to a younger core. The Capitals’ offense still runs through Alex Ovechkin. However, adding a player like Saad, and his two-way reliability and scoring touch would help round out their lineup.

At 32 years old, Saad remains an effective middle-six forward. He has a cap hit of $4.5 million for the remainder of this season and next, which is manageable.

Whether it’s a reunion in Chicago, a Cup push in Edmonton, or helping Washington stay at the top of the NHL. Saad will be moved and could have a big impact on the next NHL club he joins.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Sabres, Canucks, Oilers, Canadiens