Former Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Heads to Vegas with the Golden Knights
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Former two-time Stanley Cup champion, and Chicago Blackhawk Brandon Saad has found a new home in the NHL, in Vegas.
GM Kelly McCrimmon wasted no time making sure the former Stanley Cup champion had a new home.
The Vegas Golden Knights have inked former Blackhawks superstar, Brandon Saad to a one-year, $1.5 million AAV deal.
While this contract doesn't come with the same term and value as his last contract he's found a better team than the St. Louis Blues.
The Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023, and have thrived under the leadership of Head Coach Bruce Cassidy.
This season Saad had a dip in production. He played 43 games with the Blues and would only tally 16 points (7G, 9A).
Compared to 2023-2024, which saw him post 42 points (26G, 16 A) in 82 games with the Blackhawks' rivals.
Now headed out west, he could find a way to rejuvenate his career and compete for a Stanley Cup with the team.
It's difficult to tell where he'll exactly slot into the Knights lineup, as they're stacked with depth up and down the lineup.
But he could be a new offensive spark in Vegas with linemates like Nic Roy, or Tomas Hertl on either line.
Saad has had a string of misfortune this season with the Blues, as he's typically a high-powered sniper who has a shooting percentage typically over 15%.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Saad's shots per 60 minutes is up to 7.87 - his highest in five years. His expected goals (0.83) and high-danger chances (3.99) per 60 minutes are also the highest they've been in awhile,
But this season he's only shooting around 9.3%, which explains why he's failed to produce at the same clip he had last season.
Despite this, he's still finding ways to generate offense but, can't seem to finish like he had before.
The Golden Knights could benefit from Saad's exceptional shot when he's on a heater and will have to find a spot in the crowded left side of the ice, where Brett Howden, Ivan Barbashev, and Tanner Pearson call home already.
Is this another year he's destined to secure a Stanley Cup in the NHL, with the Golden Knights?
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