Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Stunningly Placed On Waivers, per Elliotte Friedman
In a shocking move on Tuesday, the St. Louis Blues announced they intend to waive two-time Cup winner Brandon Saad in order to shed cap and roster space.
It's been a middling season for the St. Louis Blues in 2024-25. Far removed from their Stanley Cup winning ways, the team is in the middle of trying to find their identity and perhaps are looking to accelerate a small rebuild.
For one big name veteran, it seems like his time is coming to an unfortunate end with the team as St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong revealed he intends to waive Brandon Saad in order to same some money; the news was relayed by Elliotte Friedman on X.
Saad was later waved only a few moments later as well.
Brandon Saad Waived; Ends Four-Year St. Louis Tenure
It's a tough pill to swallow for the veteran Saad but given his production this season, and his expensive contract; it's not justifiable to keep him around in St. Louis.
With only seven goals and nine assists in 43 games, it's a far cry from the 26-goal output last season, and has never reached under double digit goals in his career (minus two games in 2011-12 as a rookie).
He was also dependable defensively and could fill in at enter in a pinch, but both have regressed heavily this season. At times doubling or tripling the amount of takeaways compared to his giveaways, it's flipped 180 this year.
Saad was drafted 43rd overall by Chicago in 2011, and spent seven seasons there. He recorded 114 goals and 127 assists in 428 games while also adding 55 points in 103 playoff games.
He has one more year left on his five-year $22.5M contract he signed in 2021 and will be a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season unless St. Louis buys him out.
It's unknown whether or not any teams would have any interest in bringing in the veteran although he does offer quite the list of accomplishments and could be a dependable piece for a playoff team who needs someone with experience, although it might cost a bit too much.
Teams have 24 hours to claim Saad if they so choose to, at which point if he goes unclaimed will either go to the Springfield Thunderbirds, or find himself a potential free agent.
