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Brandon Saad Named to First All-Star Game

Brandon Saad, of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has been named to his first career NHL All-Star game at the age of 23. Big accomplishments of this nature have become commonplace for a young forward who has seen almost nothing but success since coming into the league with the Chicago Blackhawks, as their 2nd round draft pick in 2011.

Saad spent his first four seasons with the Blackhawks, being called up on a permanent basis in 2012-13, and became an ever-present face for them from that point on. In his rookie season he was named as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. From there he went on to win two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. However, this success with the Blackhawks organization would be short lived as he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, as the Hawks faced salary cap issues, and Saad needed a new contract as a restricted free agent.

Since joining Columbus, Saad has been nothing short of a leader on and off the ice, and has been a fantastic addition to a young team that was thought to have big things ahead of them. Despite the Blue Jackets faltering out of the gates and replacing their coach with John Tortorella, Saad hasn’t missed a beat and continues to lead the team in goals (16), and is second on the team in points (29), only a single point behind veteran forward Scott Hartnell. He is also the team leader in Columbus in game-winning goals (3), and shots on goal (115).

When asked about being named to his first All-Star game, Brandon said “It’s really cool, and obviously it’s a huge honor,” and continued on to say “To be able to be recognized with so many players in this league and represent the Blue Jackets, it’s something I’m really looking forward to.” And, to say the least, the fan base out of Columbus seems to be extremely happy with his most deserved selection to the team.

The hot streak lately and the consistent level of performance since joining the organization has given many fans, and the organization as well, something to praise and appreciate. And, at the age of 23, it is safe to say that he has many more great things to come for him in his, hopefully, long career ahead of him. Maybe that will include helping Columbus to a playoff berth in one of the following seasons? One can say, that with players like him in the organization, the sky is the limit for Brandon and Columbus alike.

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