Anonymous NHL scouts comment on Oilers potentially signing Brandon Saad
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Photo credit: Jeff Curry - USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are among the teams reported to be interested in signing free agent forward Brandon Saad, and now a few anonymous scouts and former players have weighed in.
Sad will clear waivers once again today, and be eligible to sign a new contract by tomorrow afternoon. The Oilers are reportedly meeting with Saad already to discuss a deal.
Anonymous scouts and former players comment on Oilers signing Brandon Saad
Speaking to Mark Spector of Sportsnet in a new interview, a number of NHL scouts gave their opinions on Saad's current state as a player, and how he could fit in Edmonton's lineup.
Interestingly, one scout said that he'd be worried of the Oilers having too many players on «last chance» deals.
If I were the Oilers I'd be concerned that they have a lot of guys in the same boat as (Saad). Shadows of once good players
- NHL Scout
- NHL Scout
One former player and a scout from the Metropolitan division shared some real concerns about Saad - saying he has no drive or decent play left.
«Nada. Nothing (left).» - Metropolitan Scout.
«Last one on the ice and first one off. Maybe a change of scenery helps.» - Former player.
«Last one on the ice and first one off. Maybe a change of scenery helps.» - Former player.
On the other hand, there were a few scouts praising Saad, and citing that he would be an upgrade on the Oilers current bottom six.
»He is better than most of the Oilers' bottom-six currently» - Central Scout
«Hard player to defend/contain when he has his motor going. Similar to Klingberg, why not take a chance?» - Central Scout
«Hard player to defend/contain when he has his motor going. Similar to Klingberg, why not take a chance?» - Central Scout
With such conflicting reports from NHL scouts on Saad, it's clear he's had his struggles but could possibly benefit from a fresh start on a new team. The Oilers have had a long history of success with such players.
Brandon Saad walked away from over $5M in salary with his contract termination, so it's clear he's eager to prove himself as an NHL player on a new team fast.
If he could sign in Edmonton at league minimum and perform well, he could be an asset to a cup contending team and repair his value for next year.
Saad's career as a power forward is attractive for any contending team. He's a two-time cup champion with Stan Bowman's Chicago Blackhawks, and has played 906 games with 515 points.
At only 32 years old and with 26 goals last season, there's likely still some hockey left in Brandon Saad. We'll find out soon enough if the Oilers decide to take another flyer on an aging player.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 30 | 149 ANSWERS Anonymous NHL scouts comment on Oilers potentially signing Brandon Saad Do you think the Oilers should sign Brandon Saad? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 37.6 % |
| No | 93 | 62.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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