The Chicago Blackhawks announced the anticipated signing of 18 year old Brandon Saad to an entry-level contract on Tuesday. The deal is for three years at an annual cap hit of $795,000 with bonuses according to CapGeek.com.Saad was selected in the 2nd round, 43rd overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Saad has impressed heavily through preseason, and his work ethic has apparently proved well as he is set to start the season with the Hawks on Friday against the Dallas Stars. Saad will become the second player since Ryan O’Reilly of the Colorado Avalanche (2009) to start the NHL regular season in his draft year after being drafted outside of the first round.
Saad impressed the Chicago brass in the summer prospects camp, followed by a standout performance at a prospect tournament in Oshawa, Ont., and kept rolling through preseason where he tallied one goal and two assists with a -1 rating through six games. Saad spent much of his time on the top line with captain Jonathan Toews and veteran winger Patrick Sharp. He is fully expected to debut in the NHL on that powerful line.
"It's pretty unbelievable," Saad said. "They're both great players and getting Sharp back in the lineup obviously helps. Just being able to work up and compete with them in practice helps a lot."
Saad, at 6’1 203lbs., is a solid power forward who possesses great strength and a good scoring touch. Though Saad may still need a bit more consistency in his game, he has the ability to open ice for his linemates, all the while having a good sense of scoring ability to chip in. In a top-six position, Saad stands a great chance at becoming a solidified NHL caliber power forward.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native broke into the hockey world in the USHL with Team USA where he quickly gained recognition. In 24 Saad netted 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points and a solid +15 rating. His single season with Saginaw of the OHL was much better in terms of production. In 59 games Saad collected 27 goals and 28 assists for 55 points and a +8 rating.
Saad has climbed up the latter and arrived in the National Hockey League and will have at least nine games to show what he’s got. His impression left on head coach Joel Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman has been a positive one, something that could very well keep Saad on the Hawks for the entire season.
"I think for Brandon, it's been a journey here for him," Blackhawks Vice President and General Manager Stan Bowman said. "I know it was chronicled that he was disappointed not to be a first-round pick and to his credit he kind of took that as a challenge. You have to credit him for his hard work and determination. He's earned a spot. That's a good story for us. We put him in a position to succeed and he seized it."
Saad begins his journey Friday as he makes his official NHL debut. Only time will tell if he is to stick with the team or head back to Saginaw for development but it is certainly clear that this kid can play hockey at the top level.
"It's sinking in a little bit, but it's still that I'm just loving being here and I'm looking forward to Friday," Saad said. "I've always wanted to work to make the NHL and come in here with the right attitude and work hard. I didn't expect to make the team, but it's definitely something nice to have."
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