We’re now more than a full year removed from the bombshell trade that brought Brandon Saad to Columbus. It’s easy to forget all the questions that came along with the Saad (at the time). How would the winger fare when away from his elite Chicago teammates? How much more would Chicago have to dismantle due to tough salary choices? Would the Blue Jackets regret moving Marko Dano? Would picking up Saad be enough to push Columbus into the playoffs?
While one player couldn’t do enough to lift a porous defense (and even worse goaltending), Brandon Saad quickly and consistently became one of the brightest spots for Columbus in a lost season. It’s no mistake that he’s one away from the top of our Under 25 list (my personal pick for #1).
Saad was brilliant last year, putting up a career-high 31 goals. It was the best on the CBJ, and tied for 8th best in franchise history (via Hockey-Reference). In addition, the winger led the team in total points, and even-strength points per time on ice (via Hockey Analysis). A league-wide view also allows for praise, as his point rates and goal rates ranked 34th and 19th among all NHL players, respectively (750+ minutes played, via Hockey Analysis). Any way you consider it, Saad was a clear first line offensive winger. Given his excellent performance last year, it’s no surprise that #20 was a pick for Team North America at the World Cup.
This Columbus performance came with the winger as one of the true focal points of his team, a change from his time in Chicago. With the Hawks, Brandon Saad was at best his team’s 3rd leading goal-scorer, and 4th highest in points. On the Blue Jackets, there was no obvious foil of Toews, Kane, or Hossa to carry the load and stir the drink. The change didn’t phase Saad, and his scoring rose.
To cap it off, Brandon Saad is also a positive impact player in shot metrics, albeit with room for improvement. Through shot generation and some degree of shot suppression, Saad is able to help push the Jackets the right way (via HERO at Own the Puck).
Future Outlook
The best news for Columbus? Brandon Saad’s on the team for a long time to come. Including this season, Saad will be with the Blue Jackets for 5 more years (via General Fanager). He’s a cornerstone piece already at age 23, and will remain with the franchise for his entire offensive prime.
Brandon Saad means that Columbus has a real goal-scoring, point-producing threat. That he continues to perform under pressure should only help upcoming offensive prospects in years to come, both by drawing attention and by helping the Jackets win games.
Age: 23 (10/27/1992)
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6’ 1’’ / 203 lbs
2015-16 Team: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Likely 2016-17 Destination: 1st line scoring winger with Columbus (NHL)
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