Insider Confirms Leafs' Interest in Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Brandon Saad
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
TSN's Chris Johnston confirmed on Wednesday that the Leafs have already expressed interest in a former two-time Stanley Cup champion Brandon Saad.
The contract termination frees up valuable cap space for the Blues and it allows Saad to explore other options to continue playing this season, perhaps even joining a Stanley Cup contender.
That was confirmed on Wednesday evening by TSN's Chris Johnston during an appearance on TSN.
"I do think there's at least a level of interest from Toronto."
Saad was in the fourth year of a five-year deal he signed with the Blues in 2021, but the 32-year-old fell down the depth chart as the Blues looked to prioritize playing time for their younger players. They had tried to move him all season, but his $4.5M cap hit was difficult for teams to swallow.
With his contract being terminated, Saad will now have the opportunity to continue playing this season on a team of his choice and could be a very inexpensive pre-deadline add for a cap-strapped contending team like the Leafs.
Adding Saad to the bottom six would not only give the Leafs another option on the penalty kill, but some desperately needed secondary scoring as The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta noted late Wednesday night.
Although his $4.5M cap hit was tough for teams, especially the Leafs, to make room for, adding the former second-round pick on a league-minimum or close to minimum deal would easily fit into the Leafs' salary cap plans.
In 43 games with the Blues this season, Saad has tallied a respectable 7 goals and 16 points in the bottom six.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JANVIER 30 | 1262 ANSWERS Insider Confirms Leafs' Interest in Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Brandon Saad Should the Leafs sign Brandon Saad for the rest of the season? |
Yes, but only on a league minimum deal | 522 | 41.4 % |
No, he's washed | 498 | 39.5 % |
If they think he can help, sure | 242 | 19.2 % |
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