Oilers connected to signing ex-St. Louis Blues forward after contract termination
Veteran forward Brandon Saad is now a free agent after a mutual contract termination, and the Edmonton Oilers will be among of the likely landing spots for him this season.
After being placed on waivers yesterday, Saad decided to pursue contract termination to allow himself to sign a new contract and return to play this season. Shockingly, Saad walked away from millions of dollars.
Oilers connected to Brandon Saad through history with Stan Bowman
Edmonton is a natural landing spot for Saad in free agency as a contending team, managed by his former general manager Stan Bowman.
On yesterday's edition of Oilers Now, Insider Bob Stauffer hinted that Brandon Saad was one player who indicated he'd be interested in coming to Edmonton. That could suggest the Oilers and Saad have already been in communication.
- Bob Stauffer
Stan Bowman drafted Brandon Saad as general manager of the Blackhawks, and he quickly became an integral piece on two Stanley Cup winning teams.
After being traded to Columbus, Bowman actually traded to get Saad back, keeping him in Chicago for another 3 seasons. The Oilers GM is clearly fond of the player.
Through his career, Saad has been a physical forward that plays a 200 foot game, and has a scoring touch. Last season he scored 26 goals and 42 points, but this year, he's cratered to just 16 points in 32 games. St. Louis is looking to move off his $4.5M salary.
Reports have also surfaced the Oilers are looking to add a physical, versatile forward - Saad fits that description, and the Oilers have a long history of signing these types of in-season free agents.
If Saad is willing to take a league minimum deal to join the Oilers in pursuit of a Stanley Cup and prove himself in Edmonton, he could be a quality fit on this team.
