With just over a month to go until the NHL trade deadline for this season, there are still plenty of questions of what the Edmonton Oilers will do, in their attempts to strengthen the roster for another deep playoff run. There has been speculation about attempting to move for a top four pairing defenceman, as well as aiming at upgrading the goalie position.
Another possibility is boosting the middle six, and in this respect an enticing target has now become available, who will be less expensive than previously anticipated. More specifically we're referencing Brandon Saad, who has an NHL resume which includes two Stanley Cup championships.
Just last month, The Athletic's Chris Johnston ranked Saad all the way up at number two in his updated trade board (subscription required). However, as reported by NHL.com, on Thursday he was placed on unconditional waivers by the St. Louis Blues with the purpose of terminating his contract.
Now it is acknowledged that the 32-year-old is not the player he used to be, with Blues general manager Doug Armstrong himself saying the production is not there. In this respect, both the winger's points per game and +/- rating are on course to be the worst of his NHL career since becoming a regular in his second season (2012-13).
Brandon Saad gets it done in playoff time
However, this doesn't mean Saad shouldn't be considered, and not just because Johnston ranked him so highly. In addition his playoff experience is invaluable, with 53 points in 103 games highlighting how he often steps up his game in pressure situations.
From a financial perspective, the 2016 NHL All-Star doesn't figure to be an expensive proposition, with him being prepared to walk away from the remainder of the five-year, $22.5 million deal which began in 2021-22. His main priority now will likely be joining a genuine contender and adding a third Stanley Cup ring to his collection.
Which brings us to the Oilers, who have to be careful with their salary cap situation, at least until there is more clarity over when Evander Kane will finally return to action. If it ends up not being until the playoffs, the team theoretically has a 'bonus' $5.125 million to play with, although a decision needs to be made prior to the Mar. 7 trade deadline.
Bob Stauffer connects the dots
Assuming the Oilers do have a genuine interest in Saad, one thing which potentially helps them is general manager Stan Bowman. As per David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, consider comments from Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, who said:
"My guess is (Saad) is going to target a team that’s cap strapped, that’s got a chance to win. Who is his general manager in Chicago? Who would know him better than Stan? ... I think logic dictates you could connect the dots and say, I bet you the Oilers would probably be a team that makes some sense."
Now of course, just because Stauffer is suggesting this, it doesn't mean it's going to happen. However, as much as he's only offering his opinion, he is clearly a clued-up and well-connected person within the world of Oilers hockey.
Going back to the points productivity or lack thereof, there is a gamble in deciding if Saad has finally fallen off the cliff in his 30s, or is just having a tough season with a struggling Blues team? For what it's worth, it should be noted that only last season his 26 goals in St. Louis were the second-most of his NHL career.
Overall, it is our humble opinion that the Oilers should take that risk and make a move for the 2011 second round draft pick, who can help the team with his combination of work-ethic, hockey IQ and size. You assume he will only be signed to a short-term deal, so worst-case scenario he would be gone at the conclusion of this season.