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Brandon Saad - Saginaw Spirit

  • ️Fri Aug 04 2023

Former Spirit captain Brandon Saad has gone on to have great success in the National Hockey League after two seasons as a member of the Saginaw Spirit from 2010 through 2012. The Spirit selected Saad with their first round pick in 2008 (10th overall). After one season in the NAHL and one with the US National Team Development Program, Saad committed to the Spirit prior to the 2010-11 season. The winger from Pittsburgh made quite the impression, scoring a goal in four of his first five games.

In the summer of 2011, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Saad in the second round, 43rd overall in the NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut for the Blackhawks on October 7, 2011 before returning to the Spirit for the 2011-12 season. When Ryan O’Connor was dealt to Barrie, Saad was named the 12th captain in Spirit history. Saad is best remembered for his clutch performance in the OHL playoffs. In 24 playoff games, Saad ranks second all-time in points (27), fourth all-time in goals (11), and second all-time in assists (17).  His performance during the 2011-12 season earned his OHL First Team All-Star honors, and the William Hanley Trophy for OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.

His first full season in the NHL, Saad was a key member of the Blackhawks run to their Stanley Cup Championship in 2013. His outstanding play during the 2012-13 season made him a finalist for the Calder Trophy for the NHL’s rookie of the year. During the 2014-15 season, Saad enjoyed his most productive season to that point in his career, scoring 52 points. His addition of eight points in the playoffs that season, helped him to his second Stanley Cup in his NHL career. Prior to the 2015-16 season, Saad was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets where he would enjoy back-to-back 50+ point seasons. Following the 2016-17 season, Saad was traded back to Chicago where he would spend the next three seasons. In October 2020, Saad was then dealt to the Colorado Avalanche. In 44 games during the 2020-21 season, Saad scored 15 goals and added nine assists for 24 points. In July 2021, Saad agreed to terms on a five year, $22.5 million contract with the St. Louis Blues. During the 2021-22 season, Saad tallied 24 goals and 25 assists in 78 games for the Blues.