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Brandon Saad Sacrificing $5M to End Contract with Blues

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 3:44 PM ET

The St. Louis Blues and President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today that the team will place forward Brandon Saad on unconditional waivers Thursday. The purpose of the waivers is to terminate his contract. It’s a move that Saad has reportedly agreed to.

Brandon Saad will be placed on unconditional waivers on Thursday for the purpose of contract termination.

DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/EOUHsD6xKF https://t.co/EOUHsD6xKF
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 29, 2025

As per PuckPedia, “If Brandon Saad mutually terminates his contract (that has this year and next remaining on it), he would be losing $5.425M of cash that’s still owing to him on this contract.” Saad will leave $3.63M (cash) on the table that he would have gotten next year. Elliotte Friedman notes, “He wants to play in the NHL; both player and team felt this gave him the best opportunity to do so.”

Next year’s salary and cap hit ($4.5M) was a big hurdle for other teams, which is why the Blues were having trouble trading him. But, if Saad signs for anywhere near the $3.6 million he was set to receive from the Blues, it’s a win/win for both sides.

The Right Situation for the Blues and Saad?

The Blues would be clear of the contract, opening cap space. Saad would also be free to pursue other options and possibly sign with a contender.

Saad, 32, appeared in 43 games for the Blues this season, recording 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) and six penalty minutes. He has played in 906 career NHL regular-season games, including stints with St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago, and Columbus, totaling 515 points (260 goals, 255 assists).

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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