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Colorado and Chicago Swap Two Players Each in Trade Involving Brandon Saad

Brandon Saad

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded forward, Brandon Saad, and defenceman, Dennis Gilbert, to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, the Blackhawks get defencemen Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm. The Blackhawks also retained $1 million of Saad’s contract, which goes through the end of the upcoming season.

Brandon Saad Part of Avs, Blackhawks Deal

Chicago general manager, Stan Bowman, has used Saad for the third time as a piece in a trade. Saad is entering the final year of his contract that pays him $6 million a season. In 58 games with the Blackhawks, Saad posted 21 goals and 12 assists for 33 points on the year. Teammate, Dennis Gilbert, played 21 games for the team this season, posting a goal and two assists in that time.

Nikita Zadorov is entering year eight in the NHL. Not known for his offensive abilities, Zadorov has played in the Avalanche top four for most of his career. In 64 games last season, Zadorov put up four goals and nine assists for 13 total points. Lindholm, who is also being sent to Chicago, has played 66 NHL games in his four year career. In that time span he has put up five points, all assists.

What This Means for the Future

The Blackhawks have added two more defencemen to their organization, jamming their blue-line up even more than it already is. Zadarov will likely see significant minutes for the team, replacing the recently traded Olli Maatta in the line up. Zadarov is an able-average defensive blue-liner, something the team has lacked in the last few seasons.

Saad has one more year on his contract. This move seems to be more of a rental move and a big push to bolster the Avalanche’s forward group for a potential deep playoff run. Gilbert is a, mostly, unproven prospect that might look to have a new role with a very skilled team.

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