Edmonton Oilers

Brandon Saad Nears NHL Return, Oilers and Leafs Among Suitors

Nick Kypreos is reporting that Brandon Saad could sign today and the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are both in on him.

by
Jim Parsons
January 31, 2025

Veteran winger Brandon Saad could be signing with an NHL team as early as today, according to Nick Kypreos. Multiple teams are reportedly pushing hard to land the unrestricted free agent, with the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs among the leading contenders.

Veteran winger and UFA Brandon Saad could sign with a @NHL club as early as today. Multiple teams are pushing hard including @EdmontonOilers and @MapleLeafs #RealKyperandBourne @FAN590 @Sportsnet
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 31, 2025

Saad, 32, was recently waived by the St. Louis Blues, and they worked with the team to mutually terminate his contract. He is gambling on himself that he can sign a deal with another team, get more playing time, and potentially win a Stanley Cup, making it his third. He is having a bit of a down season but is a proven offensive contributor and a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Oilers were linked to Saad early because of his history with GM Stan Bowman. NHL insider Frank Seravalli said he didn’t see the fit, but Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer immediately dropped hints on his show that Saad might be looking at Edmonton. He brings scoring ability, experience, and two-way play that could make him an attractive option.

And, if he agrees to come in at a near league-minimum salary, he would be an inexpensive way to bolster a team’s forward depth.

Is It the Oilers or Leafs… Or Someone Else for Saad?

The Oilers, who have surged to the top of the Pacific Division, could view Saad as a key addition to their middle-six forward group. He would be a responsible player who understands his role on a dynamic team with a ton of offense. Edmonton has already signed a low-cost contract this season in John Klingberg, so they aren’t afraid to go this route to find players.

Brandon Saad Oilers rumors — Edmonton Oilers host and insider Bob Stauffer hinted there would be interest from Brandon Saad to sign with the Oilers. Are they interested?

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are also in the mix, potentially seeing Saad as a fit for their bottom-six forward group or as a complementary winger in their top-nine. With injuries affecting their depth, Toronto could use a veteran presence who can contribute offensively while playing a reliable two-way game.

Saad has seven goals this season but scored 26 last season with the Blues.

Whether he lands in Edmonton, Toronto, or another destination, his signing could provide a contending team with a much-needed boost before the trade deadline in a few weeks.

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