Each team has their unheralded member. Someone whose contributions are not recognized enough, but their place on the team is essential. For the St. Louis Blues, that player is Brandon Saad.
Saad Since Joining the Blues
The Blues signed Saad in the 2021 off-season. Saad was brought to the team to increase offence and add a depth piece to the roster. At the time of signing with the Blues, Saad was a ten-year veteran who had played with the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche. Furthermore, Saad won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. Saad was a great add for a Blues team looking to remain in contention for a Stanley Cup.
In three years with the Blues, Saad has done his part. He has scored 24, 19, and 26 goals, respectively. Furthermore, he has scored 15 goals on the power play for the Blues.
Why Is Saad An Unheralded Player?
The Blues signed Saad to help them remain contenders. In two of Saad’s three seasons with the Blues, the team has been fringe playoff contenders at best and were even sellers in another. The Stanley Cup window quickly shut for the Blues. Is this the fault of Saad? Absolutely not. However, if the Cup window is closed, how is Saad an unheralded member of the Blues?
To answer this question, we have to take a look at the Blues roster and their needs. By doing this, we are going to see the hidden value Saad brings to the team and why he is an unheralded player on the team.
The Cap Space Discussion
The Blues have been fighting the salary cap ever since the 2018-19 off-season. Multiple discussions have been had relating to the cap. How can the Blues influence the cap space to re-sign Alex Pietrangelo? Can the team clear enough cap to trade for Matthew Tkachuk? There can be a book written detailing the relationship between Torey Krug and the Blues cap situation. The Blues made moves this off-season to adjust their cap, such as trading forward Kevin Hayes.
However, what does this have to do with Saad? Well, Saad’s name has rarely come up in these conversations. Saad has a $4.5 million cap hit. Why has he not been brought up in these conversations? That is because he has value on the roster. Saad has a place on this team. The Blues do not want to lose what he offers, even if it means retaining $4.5 million.
On-Ice Production
We mentioned Saad’s goal totals, but let us dive deeper into Saad’s 2023-24 season. Saad’s 26 goals tied him with Robert Thomas for the third most. Saad’s five power play goals was the fifth most on the team. Furthermore, Saad led the Blues with seven game-winning season. Quietly, Saad had himself a good season. Saad also played in all 82 games.
Let us compare last year to the 2023-24 season, where the Blues were sellers at the trade deadline. Saad played in 71 games and only scored 19 goals. While Saad was not the reason for the Blues struggles, a connection can be made between his return to form and the Blues playing competitive hockey again this past season.
Experience and Mentorship
This is arguably the biggest of them all. The Blues are a team with a mix of veterans and younger players. As the Blues continue their retool, young players like Jake Neighbours, Zachary Bolduc, and Scott Perunovich are going to get extended looks to see how they fit in the team’s future. For Neighbours and Perunovich, they are in spots where meeting expectations and taking advantage of opportunities can place them firmly in the Blues future plans. Recently drafted prospects like Dalibor Dvorsky and Jimmy Snuggerud may also see NHL time in the next two seasons.
As a veteran, Saad can serve as a mentor player to these young players. Saad offers a lot of experience. He is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. He finished third in the Calder Memorial Trophy voting his rookie season. Futhermore, he has played alongside veterans and greats like Patrick Kane, Nathan MacKinnon, and Artemi Panarin. It can be argued Saad is the most experienced Blue on the roster. Ryan Suter can be in that conversation as well, but since he just joined the team this summer, he does not have the rapport yet that Saad does with the team.
The Unheralded Forward
The Blues have had every opportunity to move on from Saad and they have not. Furthermore, it does not seem to have been considered. That is because Saad offers a great deal of value to the team. The Stanley Cup window is closed for now. However, the team is currently building up to becoming contenders again. Saad can help be part of that. His prime is past, but he proved last year he can still score goals. He has experience that might be unmatched elsewhere on the team. He can help the team win now while also help the young players develop their game.
Heading into the 2011-12 season, general manager Doug Armstrong signed veterans and former Cup champions Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner. The hope was their experience would help the Blues and their youthful core turn the corner and become Cup contenders. They did just that. Fast forward 12 years, the same could be happening with Brandon Saad, the Blues unheralded member.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
