Brandon Saad clears unconditional waivers and immediately signs new contract!

On Wednesday, the St. Louis Blues and veteran forward Brandon Saad mutually agreed to terminate his contract after he clears unconditional waivers later today. It has been reported that the Blues did attempt to find a trade partner for Saad but had no takers partly because of his contract. He had a year left on his deal with an average annual value of $4.5 million and a full no-trade clause this season. He was eventually placed on waivers, and cleared and was due to be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Springfield. But then came the mutual contract termination and on Friday, it took place as Saad cleared unconditional waivers.

However, as soon as the waivers news was updated, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Saad was signing a new deal, a pro rated $1.5M contract with the Vegas Golden Knights for the rest of the current season.

Moments later, the Golden Knights confirmed the report: 

His championship experience with the Chicago Blackhawks, his newfound affordability and his even 20-plus goal seasons, Saad is a huge addition to Vegas.

It was also believed that the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning were hoping to sign Saad, who did not remain a free agent for long.

Saad has posted seven goals and 16 points in 43 games this season, which his fourth with the Blues. He however failed to record a point in six straight games and has not scored since netting a hat trick against the Ottawa Senators back on Jan. 3.

In 2023-24, he tallied 26 goals with 42 points in all 82 games.