The Colorado Avalanche bolstered their offense during the offseason by trading for veteran winger Brandon Saad. The 28-year-old has done nothing but score goals over the last seven years, having potted 169 goals over his career and he should be a perfect fit with the Avalanche. Of course, Saad has just one year remaining on his contract, but has expressed interest in signing a long-term extension in Colorado.
However, what are the chances that the Avalanche bring him back?
NBC Sports’ Adam Gretz writes that there are quite a few factors that determine whether Saad comes back. However, while his numbers are solid, they don’t stand out either. However, Saad brings other aspects to his game, which Colorado might appreciate. He is a possession driver and really excels when around better players, which the Avalanche has a lot of.
However, while the Avalanche have done quite well with managing their cap space over the years, those days will soon be past. Colorado has already inked Mikko Rantanen to a six-year, $55.5 million deal (with five years still on it). Colorado also will have forward Gabriel Landeskog hitting free agency next season, while defenseman Cale Makar will be a restricted free agent. Those two deals are likely going to cost Colorado quite a bit.
Of course, how Saad performs in his one year in Colorado will have a huge impact, but unless he takes less to stay with the Avalanche, they will likely have too many other contracts to deal with in the next season to bring him back.
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