Brandon Saad Snubs Maple Leafs; Instead Accepts Offer From Vegas Golden Knights
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The Vegas Golden Knights have swooped in and made the top pitch for newly-minted UFA Brandon Saad, leaving the Maple Leafs empty-handed in their quest for additional forward depth.
Well, the quest for additional scoring depth and the pursuit of Brandon Saad in Toronto is over before before it started.
According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the Leafs, along with the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals were the teams who had shown the most interest in the veteran winger.
Unfortunately, approximately 3 minutes after Pagnotta's post, trusted NHL Insider Kevin Weekes released an update informing fans that Saad was in the process of finalizing a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the deal will be 1 year and for $1.5M, prorated.
Saad had scored 26 goals for the Blues last season, but has struggled mightily this year, scoring just 7 goals in 43 games, leading to his eventual placement on unconditional waivers for the purposes of
a mutual contract termination.
Saad left approximately $5M on the table by agreeing to terminate his contract.
For the Leafs, this means it's back to square one, with the team looking to address needs in the bottom six -- preferably a center who can score goals.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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JANVIER 31 | 1547 ANSWERS Brandon Saad Snubs Maple Leafs; Instead Accepts Offer From Vegas Golden Knights Are you surprised to see Brandon Saad signing in Vegas with the Golden Knights? |
Yes | 460 | 29.7 % |
No | 1087 | 70.3 % |
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