Brandon Saad
{{Short description|American ice hockey player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{Infobox ice hockey player
| image = Brandon Saad - Chicago Blackhawks.jpg
| caption = Saad with the Chicago Blackhawks in December 2014
| image_size = 230px
| team = Vegas Golden Knights
| former_teams = Chicago Blackhawks
Columbus Blue Jackets
Colorado Avalanche
St. Louis Blues
| league = NHL
| prospect_team =
| prospect_league =
| position = Left Wing
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lb = 202
| shoots = Left
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|10|27}}
| birth_place = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| ntl_team =
| draft = 43rd overall
| draft_team = Chicago Blackhawks
| draft_year = 2011
| career_start = 2011
}}
Brandon Saad (born October 27, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Saad grew up playing hockey in his home state of Pennsylvania before joining the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, playing two seasons with the team before being drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. After debuting with the Blackhawks the following season, he briefly joined the team's minor league affiliate before becoming a full-time member of the roster beginning in 2013. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion having won with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015. The Blackhawks traded Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2015–16 NHL season, during which he was named an NHL All-Star. He played in Columbus for two seasons before the Blackhawks reacquired him in another trade before the 2017–18 NHL season. During his second stint with the Blackhawks, Saad was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for one season, before signing with the St. Louis Blues.
Internationally, Saad has represented the United States in several youth tournaments and captured a gold medal for the nation in the 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Early life
Saad was born on October 27, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/31264/brandon-saad |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=January 14, 2025}} to a Syrian father, George Sr., and an American mother, Sandy.{{cite news|author1=John Burbridge|title=Blackhawk star rookie makes appearance at The Charleyhorse|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/hockey/professional/blackhawks/blackhawk-star-rookie-makes-appearance-at-the-charleyhorse/article_aaaab14f-dac2-512d-abd1-ed78a290754b.html|access-date=17 June 2015|work=nwitimes.com|date=8 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410012921/https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/hockey/professional/blackhawks/blackhawk-star-rookie-makes-appearance-at-the-charleyhorse/article_aaaab14f-dac2-512d-abd1-ed78a290754b.html|archive-date=April 10, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Saad, Brandon - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=9553 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=24 September 2011 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809215945/http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=9553 |url-status=live }}
Playing career
=Amateur=
Growing up in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania,{{cite web |last1=Lomon |first1=Chris |title=My Hometown: Brandon Saad |url=https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-12050/my-hometown-brandon-saad |publisher=NHLPA |access-date=January 14, 2025 |date=September 12, 2016}} Saad played minor hockey for the Pittsburgh Hornets in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League.{{cite web |last1=Felisko |first1=Justin |title=Saad’s Steel City Roots Form Strong Foundation - Brandon Saad |url=https://usahockeymagazine.com/article/2013-06/saad%E2%80%99s-steel-city-roots-form-strong-foundation-brandon-saad |publisher=USA Hockey |access-date=January 14, 2025 |date=June 2013}} While playing with the U14 Hornets team in the 2005–06 season, Saad tallied 16 goals and 21 assists through 30 games.{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad (Pittsburgh Hornets - Division 3 - 1992) |url=https://pointstreak.com/players/playerpage.html?playerid=673174&seasonid=988 |website=pointstreak.com |access-date=January 14, 2025}} He also competed with the Hornets at the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament{{cite web |title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA |url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |publisher=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament |access-date=January 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2019}} and at the 2007 USA Hockey National Championship. Saad split the 2007–08 season with the U18 Hornets and the Pine-Richland High Rams, where he played alongside his older brother. However, the coach of the Rams acknowledged that it was not likely Saad would remain at Pine-Richland High School because he was being scouted by the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP).{{cite news |last1=Adamski |first1=Chris |title=Sunday North: Pine-Richland will pursue 'AAA' hockey title |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2007/11/04/Sunday-North-Pine-Richland-will-pursue-AAA-hockey-title/stories/200711040161 |access-date=January 14, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=November 4, 2007}} While with the U18 Hornets, Saad set a program record with 54 goals and 124 points in one season.{{cite web |title=Pittsburgh Hornets 18U AAA - All Time Overall Totals Player Stats |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/10323/pittsburgh-hornets-18u-aaa/stats/all-time/total |publisher=Elite Prospects |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115042424/https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/10323/pittsburgh-hornets-18u-aaa/stats/all-time/total |archive-date=January 15, 2025}} As a freshman with the Pine-Richland High Rams, Saad ranked sixth on the team with eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points.{{cite web |title=Pine-Richland High - 2007-2008 Regular Season Player Stats |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9959/pine-richland-high/stats/2007-2008?nation=usa&sort=tp |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=January 14, 2025}} He was also recognized as a Pittsburgh North Hockey All-Star.{{cite news |title=PG North: Stellar Six Hockey All-Stars |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2008/04/24/PG-North-Stellar-Six-Hockey-All-Stars-1/stories/200804240489 |access-date=January 14, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=April 24, 2008}}
Saad turned down the opportunity to join the NTDP for the 2008–09 season and was subsequently drafted by the Saginaw Spirit in the first found of the 2008 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft.{{cite web |title=OHL Draft |url=https://www.ushr.com/news/20080504/2661 |publisher=USHR |access-date=January 14, 2025 |date=April 5, 2008}}{{cite news |last1=Adamski |first1=Chris |title=Sunday North: Pine-Richland freshman drafted in first round by OHL |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2008/05/25/Sunday-North-Pine-Richland-freshman-drafted-in-first-round-by-OHL/stories/200805250227 |access-date=January 14, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=May 25, 2008}} Instead of immediately joining the OHL, Saad and his older brother played the 2008–09 season with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).{{cite news |last1=Newby |first1=Christine |title=Hockey brings Saad brothers together |url=https://www.psucollegian.com/archives/hockey-brings-saad-brothers-together/article_f9f0b992-5a32-552b-9fba-9be611152710.html |access-date=January 14, 2025 |publisher=Daily Collegian |date=September 8, 2011}} While playing with the Phantoms, Saad was selected to represent the U.S. National Under-17 Team at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge.{{cite web |title=National Team Development Program Weekly Update |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/national-team-development-program-weekly-update/n-3753517 |publisher=Our Sports Central |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=December 17, 2008}} He helped the U17 team win a bronze medal and was named to the tournament all-star team.{{cite web |title=U17's take bronze at World Challenge |url=https://na3hl.com/news/story.cfm?id=765 |publisher=NAHL |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=January 4, 2009}} Saad returned to the Phantons following the tournament and finished his rookie season with 29 goals and 18 assists over 47 games. The league took notice of his efforts and he was named the NAHL's Rookie of the Year and selected for the First All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team.{{cite web |title=Saad named Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=958 |publisher=NAHL |access-date=January 14, 2025 |date=April 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926061932/https://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=958|archive-date=September 26, 2009}}
For the 2009–10 season, Saad joined the NTDP while his brother enrolled at Pennsylvania State University. In his only season with the team, Saad recorded 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points. After one season with the NTDP, Saad joined the Saginaw Spirit for the 2010–11 OHL season.{{cite web |title=Saginaw Spirit Sign Top Prospect Brandon Saad |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/saginaw-spirit-sign-top-prospect-brandon-saad/n-4029778 |publisher=Our Sports Central |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=June 17, 2010}} Saad later stated that he delayed his acceptance into the OHL because he felt unprepared. He credited his time with the NTDP and at the 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships for helping him decide he was ready for the OHL.{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Kyle |title=Brandon Saad makes much-awaited appearance for Saginaw Spirit |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2010/09/brandon_saad_makes_much-awaite.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=September 3, 2010}} Saad began the season by scoring four goals over his first five games with the Spirit.{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/brandonsaad/ |publisher=Canadian Hockey League |access-date=January 15, 2025}} By the end of November, Saad had recorded two hat-tricks and ranked sixth in the league in scoring with 19.{{cite web |title=Saginaw Spirit forwards Josh Shalla, Brandon Saad both on scoring streak |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2010/11/saginaw_spirit_forwards_josh_s.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=November 30, 2010}} Although he was named to the preliminary roster for the 2011 United States men's national junior ice hockey team,{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Kyle |title=Saginaw Spirit forward Brandon Saad named to Team USA's World Junior preliminary roster |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2010/12/saginaw_spirit_forward_brandon_1.html |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=December 7, 2010}} Saad was cut before the final roster was announced.{{cite web |title=Saginaw Spirit Insider: Brandon Saad disappointed to not make U.S. World Junior squad |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2010/12/saginaw_spirit_insider_brandon.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=December 28, 2010}} After being ranked eighth among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau in January{{cite web |title=Saginaw's Brandon Saad ranked eighth-best draft-eligible North American skater by NHL Central Scouting |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2011/01/saginaws_brandon_saad_ranked_e.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=January 10, 2011}} Saad was named to Team Orr for the CHL Top Prospects game.{{cite web |title=Vincent Trocheck, Brandon Saad help Team Orr rout Team Cherry in CHL Top Prospects game |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2011/01/vincent_trocheck_brandon_saad.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=January 20, 2011}} Due in part because of a lingering groin injury, Saad's second half of the season was not as offensively productive as the first. He finished the season with 27 goals and 28 assists, with only seven of those points coming in the final 32 games of the season. While his ranking dropped from eighth to 19th by June, Saad was still expected to be drafted in the first round of the 2011 NHL entry draft.{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Kyle |title=Brandon Saad, Vincent Trochek carry Saginaw Spirit banner into NHL Draft |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2011/06/brandon_saad_vincent_trochek_c.html |website=mlive.com |access-date=January 15, 2025 |date=June 24, 2011}} However, he was eventually drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks.
=Professional=
==Chicago Blackhawks==
After impressing the coaching staff during the Blackhawks' training camp, Saad signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team on October 4, 2011.{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Tracey |title=Saad inks deal with Hawks, will start Friday |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/chicago-blackhawks/saad-inks-deal-hawks-will-start-friday |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924055602/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/chicago-blackhawks/saad-inks-deal-hawks-will-start-friday|archive-date=September 24, 2020}} It was announced that he would start the season with the Blackhawks, making him the lowest-selected Chicago draft pick to start with the Blackhawks in their draft year since defenceman Lasse Kukkonen (drafted 151st overall) in the 2003–04 season.{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Jesse |title=Blackhawks sign Brandon Saad, 18 |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/story/_/id/7058454/chicago-blackhawks-sign-brandon-saad |work=ESPN |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 4, 2011 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407162302/https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/story/_/id/7058454/chicago-blackhawks-sign-brandon-saad |url-status=live }} He was expected to immediately start the season on the Blackhawks' top line as the left wing to center Jonathan Toews and right wing Patrick Sharp.{{cite web |last1=Kimelman |first1=Adam |title=Saad signs, likely to start on Blackhawks' top line |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-signs-likely-to-start-on-blackhawks-top-line/c-594379 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 4, 2011 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160848/https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-signs-likely-to-start-on-blackhawks-top-line/c-594379 |url-status=live }} Saad made his NHL debut on October 7, 2011, against the Dallas Stars and played one more game against the team before being reassigned to Saginaw on October 12.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks assign Saad to OHL's Saginaw |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-assign-saad-to-ohls-saginaw/c-595621 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 12, 2011 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160848/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-assign-saad-to-ohls-saginaw/c-595621 |url-status=live }} Upon returning to the Spirit, Saad made an immediate impact on the lineup by leading the league with six goals and four assists for 10 points over three games. He was recognized for his efforts with the CHL Player of the Week honor on October 24.{{cite web |title=Spirit's Brandon Saad Named OHL Player of the Week |url=https://ontariohockeyleague.com/spirit-s-brandon-saad-named-ohl-player-of-the-week/ |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 24, 2011 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160848/https://ontariohockeyleague.com/spirit-s-brandon-saad-named-ohl-player-of-the-week/ |url-status=live }} By the end of October, Saad had accumulated 18 points over eight games. Although he would miss all of November due to a hand injury, Saad recovered in time to join Team USA at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in December.{{cite web |last1=Ballantini |first1=Brett |title=Brandon Saad: Refine and refocus |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/brandon-saad-refine-and-refocus/c-627063 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 11, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407213348/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/brandon-saad-refine-and-refocus/c-627063 |url-status=live }} Upon returning from the Championships, Saad maintained a 16-game point streak between January 15 and February 24.{{cite web |title=Saad OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player |url=https://ontariohockeyleague.com/saad-ohl-s-most-sportsmanlike-player/ |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 12, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160848/https://ontariohockeyleague.com/saad-ohl-s-most-sportsmanlike-player/ |url-status=live }} At the same time, he was also appointed team captain for the remainder of the 2011–12 season after Ryan O'Connor was traded to the Barrie Colts.{{cite web |title=Saad Named Captain of Saginaw Spirit |url=https://saginawspirit.com/saad-named-captain-of-saginaw-spirit |publisher=Saginaw Spirit |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=January 17, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160852/https://saginawspirit.com/saad-named-captain-of-saginaw-spirit |url-status=live }} He finished the regular season leading the league with 1.73 points per game as he helped th Spirit climb from ninth place to fourth in the conference standings.{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Kyle |title=Saginaw Spirit forward Brandon Saad prepares for final playoff run |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2012/03/saginaw_spirit_forward_brandon_11.html |publisher=MLive Media Group |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=March 21, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160848/https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2012/03/saginaw_spirit_forward_brandon_11.html |url-status=live }} Saad improved on his previous seasons total with 34 goals and 42 assists for 76 points through 44 games while recording just 38 penalty minutes. As such, he became the second member of the Spirit, and to first American-born player since 1993, to win the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player. He was also named to the OHL's 2011–12 First All-Star Team.{{cite web |title=OHL Announces 2011-12 All-Star Teams |url=https://ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-announces-2011-12-all-star-teams/ |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710133158/https://ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-announces-2011-12-all-star-teams/|archive-date=July 10, 2018}}
As the Spirit qualified for the 2012 OHL Playoffs, Saad continued to produce offensively and led the team in scoring. During their Western Conference first-round series against the Sarnia Sting, Saad tallied six goals and 12 points over five games.{{cite web |title=Saad with four points as Spirit take 3-2 series lead over the Sting |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-with-four-points-as-spirit-take-3-2-series-lead-over-the-sting/c-625105 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=March 30, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407213348/https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-with-four-points-as-spirit-take-3-2-series-lead-over-the-sting/c-625105 |url-status=live }} He finished the playoffs with the league's third-highest point total after he accumulated eight goals and nine assists for 17 points through 12 games.{{cite web |last1=Boron |first1=Brad |title=Saad likely to get the call for Game 4 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-likely-to-get-the-call-for-game-4/c-628510 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 18, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165955/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-likely-to-get-the-call-for-game-4/c-628510 |url-status=live }}
Following the conclusion of his OHL season, Saad was recalled to the Blackhawks on April 16 to help them with their 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs berth.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks recall six |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-recall-six/c-628176 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 16, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165954/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-recall-six/c-628176 |url-status=live }} He made his playoff debut a few games later on April 19, 2012, as the Blackhawks fell to the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 4.{{cite web |title=Mikkel Boedker scores in OT again, gives Coyotes 3-2 win and 3-1 series lead over Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mikkel-boedker-scores-in-ot-again-gives-coyotes-3-2-win-and-3-1-series-lead-over-blackhawks/c-628780 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 20, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165955/https://www.nhl.com/news/mikkel-boedker-scores-in-ot-again-gives-coyotes-3-2-win-and-3-1-series-lead-over-blackhawks/c-628780 |url-status=live }} He returned to the Blackhawks lineup for Game 5 where he skated on the left wing of Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Mark |title=Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Coyotes Cannot Finish off Blackhawks, Game 6 Looms |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1155053-stanley-cup-playoffs-coyotes-cannot-finish-off-blackhawks-game-6-looms |publisher=Bleacher Report |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 22, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1155053-stanley-cup-playoffs-coyotes-cannot-finish-off-blackhawks-game-6-looms |url-status=live }} He scored his first career NHL point with an assist on a goal by defenceman Nick Leddy to lead the Blackhawks to an eventual 2–1 win.{{cite web |last1=Verdi |first1=Bob |title=Between The Dots: Overtime pays off for the Blackhawks in Game 5 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/between-the-dots-overtime-pays-off-for-the-blackhawks-in-game-5/c-629050 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 22, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/between-the-dots-overtime-pays-off-for-the-blackhawks-in-game-5/c-629050 |url-status=live }} Despite his efforts, the Blackhawks were eliminated from playoff contention in the first round.{{cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=Jay |title=Rookies important contributors in NHL playoffs |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/rookies-important-contributors-in-nhl-playoffs |work=Fox Sports |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 2, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165954/https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/rookies-important-contributors-in-nhl-playoffs |url-status=live }}
Saad returned to the Blackhawks training camp ahead of the 2012–13 season but was reassigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, in anticipation of the 2012–13 NHL lockout.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks make roster moves |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4671442/blackhawks-make-roster-moves |work=ESPN |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=September 15, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4671442/blackhawks-make-roster-moves |url-status=live }} Saad struggled initially with the IceHogs as he suffered a leg injury while going pointless through his first few games.{{cite web |last1=Fromi |first1=Jon |title=Chicago Blackhawks Farm Report: Brandon Saad and Nick Leddy Battling Injuries |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1388186-chicago-blackhawks-farm-report-brandon-saad-and-nick-leddy-battling-injuries |publisher=Bleacher Report |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 29, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1388186-chicago-blackhawks-farm-report-brandon-saad-and-nick-leddy-battling-injuries |url-status=live }} After missing seven games to recover from his injury, Saad tallied his first professional goal in a 5–3 loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins on November 9. He added his first professional assist the following game against the Milwaukee Admirals.{{cite web |title=The Rockford Rewind: IceHogs drop a pair of games in Week 5 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/the-rockford-rewind-icehogs-drop-a-pair-of-games-in-week-5/c-645487 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=November 12, 2012 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/the-rockford-rewind-icehogs-drop-a-pair-of-games-in-week-5/c-645487 |url-status=live }} By January 14, Saad had tallied eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points through 31 games for the IceHogs. He was named CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period of January 7–13 after scoring six points in just three games, including two game-winning goals.{{cite web |title=IceHogs' Saad named Player of the Week |url=https://theahl.com/icehogs-saad-named-player-of-the-week |publisher=American Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=January 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://theahl.com/icehogs-saad-named-player-of-the-week |url-status=live }} Once the lockout was resolved, the Blackhawks included Saad on the team's starting roster for the shortened, 48-game 2012–13 season.{{cite web |title=NHL Opening-Day rosters for 2012-13 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-opening-day-rosters-for-2012-13-season/c-651234 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=January 19, 2013 |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122052511/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-opening-day-rosters-for-2012-13-season/c-651234 |url-status=live }} Saad scored his first career NHL goal in his ninth regular season game on February 5 against the San Jose Sharks on Sharks' goaltender Antti Niemi.{{cite web |last1=Boron |first1=Brad |title=About last night: The Blackhawks-Sharks game by the numbers |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/about-last-night-the-blackhawks-sharks-game-by-the-numbers/c-654402 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=February 6, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165954/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/about-last-night-the-blackhawks-sharks-game-by-the-numbers/c-654402 |url-status=live }} On February 22, Saad scored the Blackhawks' game-winning, short-handed goal to secure an NHL-record 17th straight game with at least one point to start a season, breaking the previous record of 16-straight games held by the 2006–07 Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks set NHL record for best start to season |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400442723 |work=ESPN |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=February 23, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165953/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400442723 |url-status=live }} While remaining on the Blackhawks' top line with Toews and Marian Hossa, Saad tallied three goals and no assists through his first 18 games. He was kept on the top line because coach Joel Quenneville felt he was playing well enough in different areas.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Rookie Saad picking up his game in Final |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/rookie-saad-picking-up-his-game-in-final/c-674066 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 15, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174714/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/rookie-saad-picking-up-his-game-in-final/c-674066 |url-status=live }} In early March, Saad had recorded his first career three-point game to accumulate six points over five games.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Rebuilt depth has keyed Blackhawks' remarkable run |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/rebuilt-depth-has-keyed-blackhawks-remarkable-run/c-658959 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=March 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165954/https://www.nhl.com/news/rebuilt-depth-has-keyed-blackhawks-remarkable-run/c-658959 |url-status=live }} Saad finished the month of March with four goals and 12 assists for 16 points over 32 games.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Saad making an impact with Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-making-an-impact-with-blackhawks/c-662850 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=March 31, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165956/https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-making-an-impact-with-blackhawks/c-662850 |url-status=live }} He eventually finished his rookie season with 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points through 46 games while also leading all NHL rookies with a plus-17 rating.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks LW Saad, Minnesota's Charlie Coyle, Jonas Brodin among key rookies in NHL playoffs |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-lw-saad-minnesotas-charlie-coyle-jonas-brodin-among-key-rookies-in-nhl-playoffs/c-668863 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 2, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174714/https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-lw-saad-minnesotas-charlie-coyle-jonas-brodin-among-key-rookies-in-nhl-playoffs/c-668863 |url-status=live }} As a result of his successful season, Saad was named as a finalist for the 2013 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, which eventually was given to Florida Panthers winger Jonathan Huberdeau.{{cite web |last1=Compton |first1=Brian |title=Gallagher, Huberdeau, Saad named Calder finalists |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/gallagher-huberdeau-saad-named-calder-finalists/c-669433 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 6, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407165958/https://www.nhl.com/news/gallagher-huberdeau-saad-named-calder-finalists/c-669433 |url-status=live }} He was also named to the NHL's 2012–13 All-Rookie Team.{{cite web |title=Saad makes 2013 NHL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-makes-2013-nhl-all-rookie-team/c-675704 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 29, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407180723/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-makes-2013-nhl-all-rookie-team/c-675704 |url-status=live }}
File:Brandon Saad (9217014038).jpg
When the Blackhawks qualified for the 2013 playoffs and clinching the Presidents' Trophy as the best regular season team, Saad continued to remain on their top line with Toews and Hossa. In Game 1 of their first round series against the eighth seeded Minnesota Wild, Saad played 21 minutes and had two shots on net to help lift the Blackhawks to a 2–1 overtime win. However, the line struggled to produce through the first four games of the series as they combined for only one goal and one assist.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Blackhawks' top line staying confident |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-top-line-staying-confident/c-669864 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 8, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174716/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-top-line-staying-confident/c-669864 |url-status=live }} Saad was given time to produce in the first three games against the Wild, averaging just over 20 minutes a game, but he recorded zero points.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |title=Saad finally finding his playoff groove |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4675623/saad-finally-finding-his-playoff-groove |work=ESPN |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174714/https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4675623/saad-finally-finding-his-playoff-groove |url-status=live }} Although the line began to pick up points in Game 5, Saad finished the series with only one assist. As such, Saad was moved onto a different line ahead of the Western Conference Semifinals.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Saad, Stalberg off Blackhawks' top four lines at practice |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-stalberg-off-blackhawks-top-four-lines-at-practice/c-670290 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 11, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174714/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-stalberg-off-blackhawks-top-four-lines-at-practice/c-670290 |url-status=live }} He was originally moved to their second line with Dave Bolland and Patrick Kane{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Blackhawks tweak lines, power play combinations at practice |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-tweak-lines-power-play-combinations-at-practice/c-671719 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174716/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-tweak-lines-power-play-combinations-at-practice/c-671719 |url-status=live }} but also spent time on the third line with Andrew Shaw and Viktor Stålberg.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Hawks still trying to find match for Wings' third line |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/hawks-still-trying-to-find-match-for-wings-third-line/c-671984 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 25, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174718/https://www.nhl.com/news/hawks-still-trying-to-find-match-for-wings-third-line/c-671984 |url-status=live }} While on the third line, his ice time diministed to a season-low 10:47 in Game 5. After the Blackhawks eliminated the seventh seeded Detroit Red Wings and faced the defending Stanley Cup champion and fifth seeded Los Angeles Kings, Saad began to pick up points. Although he remained on the third line, Saad recorded two assists in the Blackhawks' Game 2 win.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Blackhawks fire on all cylinders in Game 2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-fire-on-all-cylinders-in-game-2/c-672856 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 3, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174715/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-fire-on-all-cylinders-in-game-2/c-672856 |url-status=live }} After the Blackhawks defeated the Kings in five games, they faced off against the fourth seeded Boston Bruins in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals. Although he entered the series opener with only four assists over 17 playoff games, Saad emerged as a vital player in the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup Finals series.{{cite web |last1=Daniel |first1=Al |title=Brandon Saad and Torey Krug: A Tale of 2 Rookies in the Stanley Cup Final |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1672593-brandon-saad-and-torey-krug-a-tale-of-2-rookies-in-the-stanley-cup-finals |publisher=Bleacher Report |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 13, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407174714/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1672593-brandon-saad-and-torey-krug-a-tale-of-2-rookies-in-the-stanley-cup-finals |url-status=live }} As the only Blackhawks rookie to play in Game 1, Saad played over 31 minutes and had nine of Chicago's 63 shots on goal. He was originally on the third line but was moved up to the first during the game. While on the top line, he tallied his first goal of the postseason in the second period to help lift the Blackhawks to a 4–3 win over the Boston Bruins. On June 24, Saad became the first Saginaw Spirit alum to win a Stanley Cup after the Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins in six games.{{cite web |last1=Butzin |first1=Cory |title=Saginaw Spirit proud of former captain and Stanley Cup champion Brandon Saad |url=https://www.mlive.com/spirit/2013/06/saginaw_spirit_proud_of_former.html |publisher=MLive Media Group |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 25, 2013}}
Leading up to the 2013–14 season, Saad was tested out at center on the second line with Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa. Although he had not played that position since his junior hockey career, coach Quenneville spoke highly of Saad's ability to play in the new role.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Blackhawks test Saad as second-line center |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-test-saad-as-second-line-center/c-683299 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=September 19, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408000248/https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-test-saad-as-second-line-center/c-683299 |url-status=live }} However, Saad preferred his position at left wing and Michal Handzuš quickly accepted the second line center role.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=30 in 15: Handzus, Leddy lead Hawks' minor concerns |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/30-in-15-handzus-leddy-lead-hawks-minor-concerns/c-684817 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408000246/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/30-in-15-handzus-leddy-lead-hawks-minor-concerns/c-684817 |url-status=live }} Once the season started, Saad led the team with two goals and four assists for six points over eight games.{{cite web |last1=Odebralski |first1=Glenn |title=Panthers Wrap-Up: Panthers 2, Wild 1 (SO) |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/panthers-wrap-up-panthers-2-wild-1-so/c-687620 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=October 19, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408002258/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/panthers-wrap-up-panthers-2-wild-1-so/c-687620 |url-status=live }} He played left wing to Patrick Kane's right wing before Kris Versteeg joined the team after a trade in November.{{cite web |last1=Hedgar |first1=Brian |title=Split from Toews has seen Kane produce at new level |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/split-from-toews-has-seen-kane-produce-at-new-level/c-696967 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=December 20, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408002301/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/split-from-toews-has-seen-kane-produce-at-new-level/c-696967 |url-status=live }} By early January, he had tallied 31 points and tied for third on the team with 15 goals.{{cite web |last1=Kimelman |first1=Adam |title=Rivalry Night Faceoff: Saad vs. Kreider |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/rivalry-night-faceoff-saad-vs-kreider/c-699370 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=January 8, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408000249/https://www.nhl.com/news/rivalry-night-faceoff-saad-vs-kreider/c-699370 |url-status=live }} Later that month, Saad and Kane gained Andrew Shaw as a new linemate. Over their first two games together, Saad has three assists while Shaw added two goals and one assist.{{cite web |last1=Gao |first1=Emerald |title=Blackhawks Buzz: January 17, 2014 vs. Anaheim Ducks |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-January-17-2014-vs-anaheim-ducks/c-700992 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=January 17, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408002300/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-january-17-2014-vs-anaheim-ducks/c-700992 |url-status=live }} However, Saad's play began to decrease heading into the break for the 2014 Winter Olympics.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Saad responded after late benching |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-responded-after-late-benching/c-714694 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 14, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408002256/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-responded-after-late-benching/c-714694 |url-status=live }} On March 16, Saad suffered an upper-body injury in their loss to the Detroit Red Wings. At the time, he had accumulated 19 goals and 44 points while also tying for first among teammates with a plus-29.{{cite web |title=Saad out Tuesday against Flyers |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-out-tuesday-against-flyers/c-709927 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=March 17, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408002255/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/saad-out-tuesday-against-flyers/c-709927 |url-status=live }} He missed three games to recover from the injury and struggled upon returning to the Blackhawks lineup. In his first five games back in the lineup, he went pointless while also combining for minus-7 during that time.{{cite web |last1=Cubeta |first1=Matt |title=The Front Line: Nyquist's domination turning heads |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/the-front-line-nyquists-domination-turning-heads/c-712204 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 1, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408001749/https://www.nhl.com/news/the-front-line-nyquists-domination-turning-heads/c-712204 |url-status=live }} As he continued to struggle, Saad was made a healthy scratch ahead of the Blackhawks' 4–2 win over the St. Louis Blues on April 6.{{cite web |last1=Hedgar |first1=Brian |title='Coach's decision' to scratch Blackhawks' Saad |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/coachs-decision-to-scratch-blackhawks-saad/c-713124 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 6, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408001749/https://www.nhl.com/news/coachs-decision-to-scratch-blackhawks-saad/c-713124 |url-status=live }} Saad finished his sophomore season with 19 goals and 28 assists for 45 points and a plus-23 rating. His 17.6 on-ice Corsi rate was fourth-highest among team forwards and ranked 14th among league forwards.{{cite web |last1=Gao |first1=Emerald |title=2014 Camp Preview: Trio of forwards look to answer questions in 2014-15 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/2014-camp-preview-trio-of-forwards-look-to-answer-questions-in-2014-15/c-730199 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 8, 2023 |date=September 12, 2014 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190634/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/2014-camp-preview-trio-of-forwards-look-to-answer-questions-in-2014-15/c-730199 |url-status=live }}
As the Blackhawks once again qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs, he began the postseason by posting two assists in Game 2 to mark his second career postseason multi-point game. He also led the team with three assists through two playoff contests against the St. Louis Blues.{{cite web |last1=Boron |first1=Brad |title=Blackhawks Buzz: April 21, 2014 vs. St. Louis Blues - Game 3 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-april-21-2014-vs-st-louis-blues-game-3/c-715758 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408024632/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-april-21-2014-vs-st-louis-blues-game-3/c-715758|archive-date=April 8, 2023}} After eliminating the Blues, the Blackhawks met with the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference Second Round. In Game 2 of their series, Saad recorded two goals to mark his first multi-goal playoff game.{{cite web |last1=Boron |first1=Brad |title=Blackhawks Buzz: May 6, 2014 at Minnesota Wild - Game 3 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-may-6-2014-at-minnesota-wild-game-3/c-718011 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 6, 2014}} Although Saad was moved to the second line alongside Handzuš and Kane, the Blackhawks eliminated the Wild in six games and met with the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks, Kings meet again in Western Final |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-kings-meet-again-in-western-final/c-719758 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408024632/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-kings-meet-again-in-western-final/c-719758|archive-date=April 8, 2023}} During Game 1, Saad opened the scoring with his first career postseason power-play goal and added an assist to set new career highs in postseason points.{{cite web |title=WCF Game 1 - Recap |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/wcf-game-1-recap/c-719811 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=January 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408024635/https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/wcf-game-1-recap/c-719811 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |date=May 18, 2014}} Later, Saad tallied a goal and two assists to help the Blackhawks to a double-overtime win in Game 5 to stave off elimination.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Handzus' 2OT goal saves Blackhawks' season |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/handzus-2ot-goal-saves-blackhawks-season/c-721120 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408024636/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/handzus-2ot-goal-saves-blackhawks-season/c-721120 |url-status=live }} While playing alongside Kane and Andrew Shaw, the trio combined for 14 points through Games 5 and 6. Despite their success, the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks were eliminated from playoffs by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Kings in Game 7 in OT.{{cite web |last1=Gao |first1=Emerald |title=Blackhawks Buzz: June 1, 2014 vs. Los Angeles Kings - Game 7 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-june-1-2014-vs-los-angeles-kings-game-7/c-721363 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=June 1, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408024632/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-buzz-june-1-2014-vs-los-angeles-kings-game-7/c-721363 |url-status=live }}
File:Saad-Winterclassic2015.jpg at Nationals Park.]]
Saad entered the 2014–15 season as an early candidate to have a breakout season while being a mainstay on the second line.{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Pete |title=MacKinnon, Schneider top Jensen's fantasy breakouts |url=https://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=731414 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 7, 2023 |date=September 23, 2014 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190631/https://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=731414 |url-status=live }} He began the season bouncing between different roles and on different lines as he scored just one goal and seven assists for eight points in the first 13 games.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |title=Blackhawks season review: Brandon Saad |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4690029/blackhawks-season-review-brandon-saad |work=ESPN |access-date=April 8, 2023 |date=June 30, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190631/https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4690029/blackhawks-season-review-brandon-saad |url-status=live }} In late November, Saad rejoined Hossa and Toews on the Blackhawks top line and the three began a breakout campaign. In his first game with the duo, Saad scored a goal, had three shots on net, was a plus-2, and led the team's forwards with a plus-15 Corsi in 5-on-5 situations.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |title=Saad now feels worthy to be with Hossa, Toews |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4685823/saad-now-feels-worthy-to-be-with-hossa-toews |work=ESPN |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=November 20, 2014 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190631/https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4685823/saad-now-feels-worthy-to-be-with-hossa-toews |url-status=live }} As the month continued, the trio helped the Blackhawks maintain an 11–2–0 record.{{cite web |last1=Pinchevsky |first1=Tal |title=Chemistry with youngster Saad helps rejuvenate Hossa |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4686262/chemistry-with-youngster-saad-helps-rejuvenate-hossa |work=ESPN |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=December 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410200115/https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4686262/chemistry-with-youngster-saad-helps-rejuvenate-hossa|archive-date=April 10, 2023}} By December 6, Saad had recorded his fourth multi-point game of the season to extend his point streak to four games. He was also tied for fourth on the team with six goals and 13 assists for 19 points through 27 games.{{cite web |title=Around the League notebook for Saturday, Dec. 6 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/around-the-league-notebook-for-saturday-dec-6/c-742864 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=December 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302141657/https://www.nhl.com/news/around-the-league-notebook-for-saturday-dec-6/c-742864|archive-date=March 2, 2018}} During the 2015 NHL Winter Classic, Saad helped Toews set an NHL record for most points in an outdoor game.{{cite web |title=Toews sets outdoor game scoring record |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/toews-sets-outdoor-game-scoring-record/c-746643 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=January 1, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190631/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/toews-sets-outdoor-game-scoring-record/c-746643 |url-status=live }} By the end of the month, Saad, Toews, and Hossa had reached double-digits in goals while Kane led with 23.{{cite web |title=Morning Report: Ducks Look to Bounce Back Tonight vs. Chicago |url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/morning-report-ducks-look-to-bounce-back-tonight-vs-chicago/c-751098 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=January 30, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190632/https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/morning-report-ducks-look-to-bounce-back-tonight-vs-chicago/c-751098 |url-status=live }} Saad finished the season with a career-high 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points through all 82 games.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Two-way game makes Saad X-factor for Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/two-way-game-makes-saad-x-factor-for-blackhawks/c-767319 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=May 11, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410233835/https://www.nhl.com/news/two-way-game-makes-saad-x-factor-for-blackhawks/c-767319 |url-status=live }} His 208 regular-season games ranked fifth among 2011 draftees while his 126 points tied for third with Ondřej Palát from that draft class.{{cite news |last1=McGran |first1=Kevin |title=Brandon Saad a key cog for Blackhawks in quest for Stanley Cup |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2015/06/11/brandon-saad-a-key-cog-for-blackhawks-in-quest-for-stanley-cup.html |access-date=April 10, 2023 |publisher=Toronto Star |date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410190632/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2015/06/11/brandon-saad-a-key-cog-for-blackhawks-in-quest-for-stanley-cup.html |url-status=live }}
As the Blackhawks qualified for the 2015 playoffs, Saad continued to make an impression in the lineup. Throughout their playoff berth, Saad tallied numerous important goals that helped the Blackhawks clinch their second Stanley Cup in three years. During Game 4 of their Western Conference First Round series against the Nashville Predators, Saad scored the game tying goal to help lift the Blackhawks to an overtime win.{{cite web |last1=Willis |first1=Thomas |title=Longest Game in Franchise History Doesn't Go Preds Way |url=https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/longest-game-in-franchise-history-doesnt-go-preds-way/c-764582 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=April 22, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410233838/https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/longest-game-in-franchise-history-doesnt-go-preds-way/c-764582 |url-status=live }} His goal helped the Blackhawks lead the series at 3–1 and they eventually eliminated the Predators in six games to advance to the Western Conference Second Round against the Minnesota Wild.{{cite web |last1=Gao |first1=Emerald |title=One Goal III: Blackhawks Close Book on Predators in First Round |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/one-goal-iii-blackhawks-close-book-on-predators-in-first-round/c-317204250 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410233837/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/one-goal-iii-blackhawks-close-book-on-predators-in-first-round/c-317204250 |url-status=live }} He scored his third goal of the postseason in Game 1 to help the Blackhawks secure a win.{{cite news |last1=Larkin |first1=Matt |title=Brandon Saad, Patrick Kane Blitz Wild With Highlight-Reel Goals |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/brandon-saad-patrick-kane-blitz-wild-with-highlight-reel-goals |newspaper=The Hockey News |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=May 1, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410233835/https://thehockeynews.com/news/brandon-saad-patrick-kane-blitz-wild-with-highlight-reel-goals |url-status=live }} They swept the Wild in four games and faced off against the top seeded Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference Second Round.{{cite web |last1=Gao |first1=Emerald |title=One Goal III: Blackhawks Eliminate Wild in Third Straight Postseason |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/one-goal-iii-blackhawks-eliminate-wild-in-third-straight-postseason/c-317231636 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 22, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410235341/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/one-goal-iii-blackhawks-eliminate-wild-in-third-straight-postseason/c-317231636 |url-status=live }} During final two games of their short series against the Ducks, Saad played with Toews and Kane on their top line. They eliminated the Ducks in seven games to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Blackhawks face youthful Lightning in Final |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-face-youthful-lightning-in-final/c-769461 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410233836/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blackhawks-face-youthful-lightning-in-final/c-769461|archive-date=April 10, 2023}} While the Blackhawks were losing the series 2–1 in the series, Saad scored two goals in Game 4 on Lightning rookie goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy to help the Blackhawks win the game 2–1 to even the series 2–2. He scored the tiebreaking goal with 13:38 left to play and then the game winner in overtime after the Tampa Bay Lightning tied it in the third period.{{cite web |last1=Baum |first1=Carter |title=Rewind: Saad's Game 4 Winner 'Something You Dream Of' |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/rewind-saads-game-4-winner-something-you-dream-of/c-317282858 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 28, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410233838/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/rewind-saads-game-4-winner-something-you-dream-of/c-317282858 |url-status=live }} The Blackhawks won the next two games to win the Stanley Cup.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Five reasons Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/five-reasons-blackhawks-won-the-stanley-cup/c-771120 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 16, 2015 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410235341/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/five-reasons-blackhawks-won-the-stanley-cup/c-771120 |url-status=live }}
==Columbus Blue Jackets==
After winning the 2015 Stanley Cup, Saad and the Blackhawks could not come to a contract agreement. Although his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Penguins wished to acquire him, Saad's negotiation rights were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 30, 2015.{{cite news |last1=Kuc |first1=Chris |title=Blackhawks trade Brandon Saad to Blue Jackets|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/blackhawks/ct-brandon-saad-traded-to-blue-jackets-20150630-story.html |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 30, 2015|publisher=Chicago Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718134134/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/blackhawks/ct-brandon-saad-traded-to-blue-jackets-20150630-story.html |archive-date=July 18, 2021}} Along with his negotiation rights, the Blue Jackets also received Alex Broadhurst and Michael Paliotta in exchange for Jeremy Morin, Marko Daňo, Artem Anisimov, Corey Tropp and a fourth-round draft pick in 2016.{{cite web |title=Blue Jackets acquire forward Brandon Saad from the Chicago Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-acquire-forward-brandon-saad-from-the-chicago-blackhawks/c-773099 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=June 30, 2015 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412184355/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-acquire-forward-brandon-saad-from-the-chicago-blackhawks/c-773099 |url-status=live }} A few days later, Saad signed a six-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets worth $36 million.{{cite web |last1=Halford |first1=Mike |title=Locked in: Columbus signs Saad to six-year, $36M deal |url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/07/03/locked-in-columbus-signs-saad-to-six-year-36m-deal/ |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=July 3, 2015 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412184356/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/07/03/locked-in-columbus-signs-saad-to-six-year-36m-deal/ |url-status=live }} While participating in the Blue Jackets training camp, Saad suffered an injury after taking a puck to the mouth. He subsequently missed the Blue Jackets preseason opener to undergo four root canals in dental surgery.{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Chris |title=Brandon Saad's Blue Jackets career got off to a very painful start |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/brandon-saads-blue-jackets-career-got-off-to-a-very-painful-start/ |work=CBS Sports |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=September 24, 2015 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184825/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/brandon-saads-blue-jackets-career-got-off-to-a-very-painful-start/ |url-status=live }} He returned for the remainder of their preseason contents where he combined for 10 goals and 15 assists over three games with linemates Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen.{{cite news |last1=Warsinskey |first1=Tim |title=Brandon Saad fits like a glove with Columbus Blue Jackets' Nick Foligno, Ryan Johansen |url=https://www.cleveland.com/nhl/blog/2015/10/brandon_saad_fits_like_a_glove.html |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=The Plain Dealer |date=October 6, 2015 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417224735/https://www.cleveland.com/nhl/blog/2015/10/brandon_saad_fits_like_a_glove.html |url-status=live }} In spite of their preseason success, the Blue Jackets maintained a franchise-worst 0–6–0 record to start the 2015–16 season.{{cite web |title=Blackhawks: Brandon Saad faces new challenges with Blue Jackets |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-brandon-saad-faces-new-challenges-blue-jackets |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=October 18, 2015 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184825/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-brandon-saad-faces-new-challenges-blue-jackets |url-status=live }} After totalling 12 points in his first 20 games under John Tortorella, he amassed 19 points in his next 23 games.{{cite web |last1=Goffenberg |first1=Daniel |title=Tortorella: 'I screwed up' with Saad when I first came to Columbus |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/tortorella-i-screwed-up-with-saad-when-i-first-came-to-columbus/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=February 1, 2016}} Despite his slow start, Saad was projected to earn his first NHL All-Star Game selection as he quickly tallied the most power-play goals in the division by November 18.{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad projected to be on 2016 Metropolitan Division All-Star team |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/brandon-saad-projected-to-be-on-2016-metropolitan-division-all-star-team/c-788643 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=November 18, 2015 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184825/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/brandon-saad-projected-to-be-on-2016-metropolitan-division-all-star-team/c-788643 |url-status=live }} Tortorella later attributed Saad's slow start as due to the coach's inability to understand how he played the game. From December 17 to January 2, Saad tallied seven goals and six assists during a career-high seven-game point streak while also leading the NHL with 28 backhand shots and tied for second with four.{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Shawn |title=Backhanded shot adds to Brandon Saad's game |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2016/01/05/blue-jackets-backhanded-shot-adds/23648274007/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |publisher=The Columbus Dispatch |date=January 5, 2016}} By early January, Saad had registered 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points through 39 games. He also led the team in goals, game-winning goals, and shots on goal, while ranking second in points and power-play goals. As a result of his playing success, Saad was voted into his first NHL All-Star Game on January 6.{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad selected to participate in 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/brandon-saad-selected-to-participate-in-2016-honda-nhl-all-star-game/c-796226 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=January 6, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184829/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/brandon-saad-selected-to-participate-in-2016-honda-nhl-all-star-game/c-796226 |url-status=live }} Prior to participating in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game, Saad tied for the team lead in scoring with 31 points{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Torie |title=Scouting Report: Columbus Blue Jackets |url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/scouting-report-columbus-blue-jackets/c-798661 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=January 21, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184830/https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/scouting-report-columbus-blue-jackets/c-798661 |url-status=live }} and recorded his third multi-goal game of the season.{{cite web |title=Around the League notebook: Monday, Jan. 25 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-around-the-league/c-277801148 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=January 26, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184825/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-around-the-league/c-277801148 |url-status=live }} By March 4, Saad had accumulated a team-leading 24 goals and 17 assists before suffering an upper body injury during a game against the Edmonton Oilers.{{cite web |last1=Goffenberg |first1=Daniel |title=Blue Jackets' Brandon Saad leaves game with upper-body injury |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/blue-jackets-brandon-saad-leaves-game-with-upper-body-injury/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=March 4, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414200338/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/blue-jackets-brandon-saad-leaves-game-with-upper-body-injury/ |url-status=live }} He subsequently missed three games before returning to the lineup for their matchup against the Lightning on March 13.{{cite web |last1=Merz |first1=Craig |title=Blue Jackets' Saad to face Lightning |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/brandon-saad-returns-from-injury/c-279602596 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=March 13, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414190329/https://www.nhl.com/news/brandon-saad-returns-from-injury/c-279602596 |url-status=live }} The following month, Saad scored his first career NHL hat-trick in a 5–1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on April 2.{{cite web |last1=Dusterberg |first1=Kurt |title=Saad's hat trick leads Blue Jackets past Hurricanes |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/brandon-saad-hat-trick/c-280090962 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=April 2, 2016 |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320172556/https://www.nhl.com/news/brandon-saad-hat-trick/c-280090962 |url-status=live }} Shortly after the hat-trick, Saad and teammate Boone Jenner became the first Blue Jackets teammates to record 30 goals in the same season. This also marked the first time in Saad's NHL career that he hit the 30-goal milestone.{{cite web |title=Blue Jackets defeat Sabres rookies |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blue-jackets-defeat-sabres/c-280210048 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420174149/https://www.nhl.com/news/blue-jackets-defeat-sabres/c-280210048|archive-date=April 20, 2016}} He finished the 2015–16 regular season with a career-high 31 goals and 53 points as the Blue Jackets failed to qualify for the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Pete |title=Fantasy: Jones' sample makes him breakout candidate |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seth-jones-a-fantasy-hockey-breakout-candidate/c-281081662 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=June 29, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414184827/https://www.nhl.com/news/seth-jones-a-fantasy-hockey-breakout-candidate/c-281081662 |url-status=live }}
During the 2016 offseason, Saad participated in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as the oldest member of Team North America.{{cite web |last1=Sporer |first1=Evan |title=Saad: World Cup will serve me well |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/brandon-saad-believes-his-world-cup-of-hockey-experience-will-beneficial-with-blue-jackets/c-282049384 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=September 22, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417223233/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/brandon-saad-believes-his-world-cup-of-hockey-experience-will-beneficial-with-blue-jackets/c-282049384 |url-status=live }} Upon rejoining the Blue Jackets, Saad began the 2016–17 season on a line with Sam Gagner before being promoted to the top line with Alexander Wennberg and Nick Foligno.{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Tom |title=Brandon Saad shifts to new line |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2017/02/25/blue-jackets-brandon-saad-shifts/22077282007/ |access-date=April 15, 2023 |publisher=Columbus Dispatch |date=February 25, 2017}} The new line instantly developed chemistry together and they dominated the Blue Jackets in scoring for the first three months of the season.{{cite news |last1=Portzline |first1=Aaron |title=Dubinsky line picking up the scoring |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2017/02/21/blue-jackets-notebook-dubinsky-line/22419747007/ |access-date=April 14, 2023 |publisher=Columbus Dispatch |date=February 21, 2017}} By November 6, the trio had combined for 23 points over six games.{{cite web |last1=Laidlaw |first1=Steve |title=NHL Fantasy Hot/Not: Blue Jackets' Wennberg an intriguing add |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-fantasy-hotnot-blue-jackets-wennberg-intriguing-add/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=November 7, 2016 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418000246/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-fantasy-hotnot-blue-jackets-wennberg-intriguing-add/ |url-status=live }} Later that month, Saad played in his 300th career NHL game on November 15 against the Washington Capitals.{{cite web |last1=Merz |first1=Craig |title=Blue Jackets defeat Capitals in overtime |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-columbus-blue-jackets-game-recap/c-283769050 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 14, 2023 |date=November 15, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417230239/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-columbus-blue-jackets-game-recap/c-283769050 |url-status=live }} He also tallied his 200th career NHL point with an assist on Gagner's goal during a game against the Arizona Coyotes on December 5.{{cite web |last1=Merz |first1=Craig |title=Sam Gagner gets four points in Blue Jackets win |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-columbus-blue-jackets-game-recap/c-284415872 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=December 5, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417223234/https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-columbus-blue-jackets-game-recap/c-284415872 |url-status=live }} By December 11, Saad led the team in points per 60 minutes of play and individual shot attempts while ranking fourth in overall points with 21.{{cite web |last1=Lukan |first1=Alison |title=Saad evolving into powerful playmaker |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-brandon-saad-feature-december-11/c-284603262 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417223234/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-brandon-saad-feature-december-11/c-284603262 |url-status=live }} Saad also helped the Blue Jackets match the third-longest winning streak in NHL history following a win over the Winnipeg Jets on December 29.{{cite web |last1=Lane |first1=Jon |title=How Blue Jackets won 16 straight |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/looking-back-on-blue-jackets-16-game-winning-streak/c-285380546 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=January 5, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417224735/https://www.nhl.com/news/looking-back-on-blue-jackets-16-game-winning-streak/c-285380546 |url-status=live }} Although their win streak was snapped at 16 games, Saad, Wennberg, Foligno, and Cam Atkinson helped the Blue Jackets become the only team in the league with four players in the top-25 in league scoring.{{cite web |last1=Mixer |first1=Rob |title=Balance, youth, business: keys to Jackets' success |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-win-streak-feature-january-4/c-285314150 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=January 4, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417223236/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-win-streak-feature-january-4/c-285314150 |url-status=live }} During their win streak, Foligno, Saad, and Wennberg each maintained a six-game point streak.{{cite web |title=Captains elected for NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/captains-elected-for-2017-nhl-all-star-game/c-285317572 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=January 4, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417230239/https://www.nhl.com/news/captains-elected-for-2017-nhl-all-star-game/c-285317572 |url-status=live }} Despite his early success, Saad was soon moved back to the fourth line with Gagner after two of their bottom-six forwards suffered injuries in February. Saad finished the regular season third on the Blue Jackets with 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points over 82 games. However, he finished the season being held without a point in 11 of the final 15 games.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Wes |title=5 Keys: Blue Jackets at Penguins, Game 2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-pittsburgh-penguins-game-2-preview/c-288785522 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=April 14, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417233424/https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-pittsburgh-penguins-game-2-preview/c-288785522 |url-status=live }} The Blue Jackets qualified for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs where they faced his hometown team, the defending champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the first round. In Game 1 of their first round series, Saad played 14:26 of ice time but was limited to 1:45 in the third as he was benched for the majority of the period.{{cite web |last1=Lukan |first1=Alison |title=Round One Practice Notebook: April 13 |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-playoffs-notebook-april-13/c-288749024 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=April 13, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417223233/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-playoffs-notebook-april-13/c-288749024 |url-status=live }} He improved the following game by recording one goal and a +8 rating as the Blue Jackets fell 4–1 to the Penguins.{{cite web |last1=Lukan |first1=Alison |title=What We Learned: PIT 4, CBJ 1 |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-pittsburgh-penguins-recap-april-14/c-288800606 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=April 14, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417233423/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-pittsburgh-penguins-recap-april-14/c-288800606 |url-status=live }} This continued throughout the series and he finished the 2017 playoffs with one goal and two assists for three points over five games.{{cite web |last1=Merz |first1=Craig |title=Blue Jackets expect more from Sergei Bobrovsky, Brandon Saad |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/blue-jackets-expect-more-from-bobrovsky-saad/c-289076280 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=April 24, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417230240/https://www.nhl.com/news/blue-jackets-expect-more-from-bobrovsky-saad/c-289076280 |url-status=live }}
==Return to Chicago==
On June 23, 2017, Saad returned to the Chicago Blackhawks along with Anton Forsberg and a fifth-round draft pick in 2018 via a trade from the Blue Jackets in exchange for Artemi Panarin, Tyler Motte and a sixth-round draft pick in 2017.{{cite web |title=Jackets acquire Artemi Panarin, Tyler Motte and draft pick from Chicago |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-acquire-panarin-motte/c-290083210 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803105002/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-acquire-panarin-motte/c-290083210|archive-date=August 3, 2020}} He immediately rejoined Jonathan Toews on the top line alongside Richard Pánik, who had replaced Marian Hossa, on the right.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Saad picks up where he left off with Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/brandon-saad-feels-at-home-in-return-to-blackhawks/c-291101088 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=September 16, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010249/https://www.nhl.com/news/brandon-saad-feels-at-home-in-return-to-blackhawks/c-291101088 |url-status=live }} Saad began the 2017–18 season by recording a hat-trick in their season opener against his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Penguins en route to a 10–1 win. This set a new franchise record for most goals scored in a season opener, beating the previous record by two goals.{{cite web |last1=Hedger |first1=Brian |title=Saad scores three of 10 goals for Blackhawks against Penguins |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-291622822 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 6, 2017 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126060857/https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-291622822 |url-status=live }} Saad's hat trick was also one of four around the league, matching a new league record set in 1917.{{cite web |title=Hat trick history made in NHL openers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/four-hat-tricks-in-opening-games-matches-nhl-record/c-291648540 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 6, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010249/https://www.nhl.com/news/four-hat-tricks-in-opening-games-matches-nhl-record/c-291648540 |url-status=live }} He also became the first Blackhawks player to score a hat trick in a season opener since Bobby Hull in 1965.{{cite web |title=Blue Jackets at Blackhawks preview |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-chicago-blackhawks-game-preview/c-291685338 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 7, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418011752/https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-chicago-blackhawks-game-preview/c-291685338 |url-status=live }} Following the season opener, Saad accumulated five goals and two assists while his line combined for 18 points over four games.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Super 16: Blackhawks move to top of rankings |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-power-rankings-super-16-october-12/c-291832308 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 12, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010251/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-power-rankings-super-16-october-12/c-291832308 |url-status=live }} However, Saad's success began to slow down as the month continued and experienced a 10-game scoring drought before snapping it on November 11.{{cite web |last1=Dusterberg |first1=Kurt |title=Blackhawks rally, top Hurricanes |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-carolina-hurricanes-game-recap/c-292896986 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=November 11, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418011753/https://www.nhl.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-carolina-hurricanes-game-recap/c-292896986 |url-status=live }} Although Toews and Pánik also struggled, coach Quenneville kept the trio together on the top line.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |title=Blackhawks player trends: A look at Brandon Saad, Vinnie Hinostroza, Ivan Nalimov |url=https://theathletic.com/161724/2017/11/21/blackhawks-player-trends-a-look-at-brandon-saad-vinnie-hinostroza-ivan-nalimov/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418001833/https://theathletic.com/161724/2017/11/21/blackhawks-player-trends-a-look-at-brandon-saad-vinnie-hinostroza-ivan-nalimov/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |date=November 21, 2017}} On November 25, Saad tied a franchise record for most shots in a period with seven while tallying his eighth goal of the season in a win over the Florida Panthers.{{cite web |last1=Poupart |first1=Alain |title=Toews, Kane, Crawford carry Blackhawks past Panthers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-florida-panthers-game-recap/c-293366278 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=November 25, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010247/https://www.nhl.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-florida-panthers-game-recap/c-293366278 |url-status=live }} Saad remained on Toews' left wing while Pánik was replaced by rookie Alex DeBrincat later that month.{{cite web |last1=Tierney |first1=Sean |title=Tierney: Examining why Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews haven't been a dynamic duo for the Blackhawks again |url=https://theathletic.com/192728/2017/12/22/tierney-examining-why-brandon-saad-jonathan-toews-havent-been-a-dynamic-duo-for-the-blackhawks-again/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418001913/https://theathletic.com/192728/2017/12/22/tierney-examining-why-brandon-saad-jonathan-toews-havent-been-a-dynamic-duo-for-the-blackhawks-again/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |date=December 22, 2017}} By the end of December, Saad had tallied five goals and nine points over 31 games and averaged 2.27 shots on goal.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |title=So far, Brandon Saad hasn't lived up to expectations in Blackhawks return |url=https://theathletic.com/199077/2017/12/31/so-far-brandon-saad-hasnt-lived-up-to-expectations-in-blackhawks-return/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418001518/https://theathletic.com/199077/2017/12/31/so-far-brandon-saad-hasnt-lived-up-to-expectations-in-blackhawks-return/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |date=December 31, 2017}} Saad's production began to pick back up in January as Vinnie Hinostroza joined the Blackhawks top line on the right side of Toews. By January 7, Saad had tallied two goals and four assists over four games to maintain a four-game point streak.{{cite web |title=Forsberg helps Blackhawks defeat Oilers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-294759638 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=January 7, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010248/https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-294759638 |url-status=live }} However, after experiencing an 11-game goalless drought in which he tallied only one assist, Saad was moved back to the Blackhawks' fourth line.{{cite news |last1=Lazerus |first1=Mark |title=Still searching for goals, Brandon Saad dropped to Blackhawks' fourth line |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/2/5/18355984/still-searching-for-goals-brandon-saad-dropped-to-blackhawks-fourth-line |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Sun Times |date=February 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032609/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/2/5/18355984/still-searching-for-goals-brandon-saad-dropped-to-blackhawks-fourth-line |archive-date=November 9, 2020}} Saad finished the season with 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in all 82 games, the lowest point total of his NHL career.{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Tracey |title=Saad on line with Kane, Schmaltz, hopes to return to form for Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-hopes-to-return-to-form-with-blackhawks/c-300258200 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 18, 2023 |date=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418010249/https://www.nhl.com/news/saad-hopes-to-return-to-form-with-blackhawks/c-300258200 |url-status=live }} Despite having more shots per 60 minutes than in any previous season, his shooting percentage dropped to 7.6.{{cite web |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |title=Powers Points: How Brandon Saad is working to get puck luck back on his side |url=https://theathletic.com/470501/2018/08/13/powers-points-how-brandon-saad-is-working-to-get-puck-luck-back-on-his-side/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418003304/https://theathletic.com/470501/2018/08/13/powers-points-how-brandon-saad-is-working-to-get-puck-luck-back-on-his-side/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |date=August 13, 2018}} He also tallied only one point on the power play despite logging more than 174 minutes on the man-advantage.{{cite web |last1=Gretz |first1=Adam |title=Blackhawks want, and need, more from Brandon Saad |url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2018/10/12/blachawks-want-and-need-more-from-brandon-saad/ |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 12, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418030041/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2018/10/12/blachawks-want-and-need-more-from-brandon-saad/ |url-status=live }}
Saad started the Blackhawks' 2018 training camp playing on their second line with centre Nick Schmaltz and Kane instead of with Toews. However, he was soon replaced with Artem Anisimov and subsequently bumped to the third line.{{cite news |last1=Kenney |first1=Madeline |title=Concern for Blackhawks' Brandon Saad grows after 'ordinary' performance |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/9/30/18425558/concern-for-blackhawks-brandon-saad-grows-after-ordinary-performance |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Sun-Times |date=September 30, 2018}} After beginning the 2018–19 season with one point through four games on the second line, Saad was demoted to the fourth line alongside David Kämpf and Marcus Krüger.{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad doesn't view bump to fourth line as demotion |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/brandon-saad-doesnt-view-bump-fourth-line-demotion-even-though-blackhawks-are-looking |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 12, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418030041/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/brandon-saad-doesnt-view-bump-fourth-line-demotion-even-though-blackhawks-are-looking |url-status=live }} After being warned that he could be a healthy scratch if his play did not pick up, he tallied his second assist of the season in his first game on the fourth line.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Steven |title=Blackhawks' Brandon Saad spared the indignity of a rare healthy scratch |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/10/18/18482671/blackhawks-brandon-saad-spared-the-indignity-of-a-rare-healthy-scratch |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Sun Times |date=October 19, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418030040/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/10/18/18482671/blackhawks-brandon-saad-spared-the-indignity-of-a-rare-healthy-scratch |url-status=live }} His production continued to increase while playing on the fourth line and after tallying two goals and one assist over three games, he was reunited with Kane and Anisimov on the second line.{{cite web |last1=Siegel |first1=Austin |title=Saad ready for important road trip |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blog-saad-ready-for-important-road-trip/c-301426260 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=October 30, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418033325/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/blog-saad-ready-for-important-road-trip/c-301426260 |url-status=live }} While playing on the second line, Saad had a 54.88 percent Corsi and averaged 7.5 shots on goal per 60 minutes. Although the Blackhawks underwent a coaching change and a lengthy losing streak in November, Saad was playing his best hockey of the season.{{cite web |last1=Lazerus |first1=Mark |title=The Wraparound: Blackhawks' refusal to acknowledge harsh reality puts Jeremy Colliton, fans in a tough spot |url=https://theathletic.com/646309/2018/11/10/the-wraparound-blackhawks-refusal-to-acknowledge-harsh-reality-puts-jeremy-colliton-fans-in-a-tough-spot/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418020103/https://theathletic.com/646309/2018/11/10/the-wraparound-blackhawks-refusal-to-acknowledge-harsh-reality-puts-jeremy-colliton-fans-in-a-tough-spot/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |date=November 10, 2018}} His momentum was shortly stalled after he missed two games due to an arm injury,{{cite web |last1=King |first1=Scott |title=Blues at Blackhawks preview |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-chicago-blackhawks-game-preview/c-301932534 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=November 14, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418030040/https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-chicago-blackhawks-game-preview/c-301932534 |url-status=live }} but he continued to produce upon returning to the lineup.{{cite news |last1=Lieser |first1=Jason |title=Blackhawks notes: Artem Anisimov progressing, Brandon Saad shining and more |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/12/16/18420976/blackhawks-notes-artem-anisimov-progressing-brandon-saad-shining-and-more |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Sun Times |date=December 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108095926/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/12/16/18420976/blackhawks-notes-artem-anisimov-progressing-brandon-saad-shining-and-more |archive-date=November 8, 2020}} On November 18, Saad scored in consecutive games for the first time of the season to tally four goals over seven games.{{cite web |last1=King |first1=Scott |title=Crawford makes 39 saves to lift Blackhawks past Wild |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-302068770 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=November 18, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418031319/https://www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-302068770 |url-status=live }} He had totalled 13 points by December 16 while playing an average of 18:34 alongside Toews and rookie Dominik Kahun after producing only seven points through 15 games with Quenneville. However, he soon experienced his second-longest drought of the season after going six games without scoring a goal. He snapped the drought on December 27 by scoring two goals in a 5–2 win over the Minnesota Wild.{{cite web |last1=Wescott |first1=Chris |title=RECAP: Blackhawks 5, Wild 2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/recap-blackhawks-5-wild-2/c-303289024 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=December 28, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418030041/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/recap-blackhawks-5-wild-2/c-303289024 |url-status=live }} On February 1, Saad scored two goals to help the Blackhawks to a 7–3 win over the Buffalo Sabres in his 500th career NHL game. This was his fourth and fifth goal over six games to give him 17 on the season and put him on pace for 27 goals overall.{{cite news |last1=Greenfield |first1=Jimmy |title=500 games into a stellar NHL career, the Blackhawks' Brandon Saad is just getting started |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/blackhawks/ct-spt-blackhawks-brandon-saad-500-games-20190203-story.html |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Tribune |date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527223249/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/blackhawks/ct-spt-blackhawks-brandon-saad-500-games-20190203-story.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019}} By March 1, Saad ranked fourth on the team with 21 goals and was the main scorer on the third line. While Drake Caggiula was recovering from a concussion, Saad was moved back up to the first line with Kane and Toews.{{cite news |last1=Lieser |first1=Jason |title=Drake Caggiula out, Brandon Saad to top line for Blackhawks vs. Kings |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/3/1/18366746/drake-caggiula-out-brandon-saad-to-top-line-for-blackhawks-vs-kings |access-date=April 17, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Sun Times |date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107232528/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/3/1/18366746/drake-caggiula-out-brandon-saad-to-top-line-for-blackhawks-vs-kings |archive-date=November 7, 2020}} Saad finished the regular season on the top line with Toews and Dominik Kahun. He tallied 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points through 79 games as the Blackhawks missed the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=Tracey |title=Blackhawks miss playoffs thanks to slow start, poor defense |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/why-chicago-blackhawks-were-eliminated-from-playoff-contention/c-306411650 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 17, 2023 |date=April 3, 2019 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418031947/https://www.nhl.com/news/why-chicago-blackhawks-were-eliminated-from-playoff-contention/c-306411650 |url-status=live }}
During the Blackhawks' 2019 training camp, Saad was reunited with Jonathan Toews and Dominik Kubalík as their first line left winger and the trio immediately developed chemistry together.{{cite web|last1=Roumeliotis|first1=Charlie|title=Behind the Numbers: Blackhawks third line driving possession against top competition |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/behind-numbers-blackhawks-third-line-driving-possession-against-top-competition |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425052740/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/behind-numbers-blackhawks-third-line-driving-possession-against-top-competition|archive-date=April 25, 2020}} Within the first four games of the season, Saad had tallied two goals and an assist while helping to create 33 scoring chances and only 21 opposing scoring chances.{{cite news |last1=Pope |first1=Ben |title=Blackhawks' Brandon Saad enjoying stellar start in unusual role |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2019/10/16/20915866/blackhawks-brandon-saad-2019-20-season-strong-start-third-line-david-kampf-dominik-kubalik |access-date=April 19, 2023 |publisher=Chicago Sun Times |date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016131546/https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2019/10/16/20915866/blackhawks-brandon-saad-2019-20-season-strong-start-third-line-david-kampf-dominik-kubalik |archive-date=October 16, 2019}} He spent the entirety of October on the third line before earning a promotion to the Blackhawks' top line at the start of November.{{cite web |title=Brandon Saad playing 'some of the best hockey I've ever seen' |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/brandon-saad-playing-some-best-hockey-ive-ever-played-blackhawks |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=October 17, 2019 |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419151432/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/brandon-saad-playing-some-best-hockey-ive-ever-played-blackhawks |url-status=live }} He played in his 400th game with Chicago on December 8, 2019.{{cite web |last1=Cain |first1=Brandon |title=Coyotes at Blackhawks preview |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-chicago-blackhawks-game-preview/c-312326924 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=December 8, 2019 |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419152934/https://www.nhl.com/news/arizona-coyotes-chicago-blackhawks-game-preview/c-312326924 |url-status=live }} Despite experiencing a six-game scoreless drought, Saad quickly accumulated 11 goals by December 17 to rank second on the team. However, shortly after achieving this rank, he suffered an ankle injury and subsequently missed 12 games in late December and early January.{{cite web |last1=Baum |first1=Carter |title=Feature: Consistent Saad Rebounded from Rare Injury for Near-Career Year |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/feature-consistent-saad-rebounded-from-rare-injury-for-near-career-year/c-319037296 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=September 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419151433/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/feature-consistent-saad-rebounded-from-rare-injury-for-near-career-year/c-319037296 |url-status=live }} He returned to the Blackhawks lineup on January 18 for their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing 17:08 of ice time and tallying his 12th goal of the season.{{cite web |last1=Kuc |first1=Chris |title=Three Things: Go Jonny Go, Kubalik on Fire and Saad's Happy Return |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/three-things-go-jonny-go-kubalik-on-fire-and-saads-happy-return/c-314139828 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 18, 2020 |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419151431/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/three-things-go-jonny-go-kubalik-on-fire-and-saads-happy-return/c-314139828 |url-status=live }} He continued to tally points in his next four games and quickly accumulated a four-game goal streak and 12 game point streak.{{cite web |last1=Baum |first1=Carter |title=Three Things: Out of the Gate, Goalie Duel and Saad Streaking |url=https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/three-things-out-of-the-gate-goalie-duel-and-saad-streaking/c-314561354 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=February 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419151434/https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/three-things-out-of-the-gate-goalie-duel-and-saad-streaking/c-314561354 |url-status=live }} By the time the season was cut short three weeks early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saad had added another 10 goals over 22 games to finish third on the team with 21 goals.
==Colorado Avalanche==
On October 10, 2020, the Blackhawks traded Saad away for a second time in his career, along with Dennis Gilbert, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm. As a part of the transaction, the Blackhawks retained $1 million of his $6 million salary for the remaining year of his contract.{{cite web |title=Colorado Avalanche get Brandon Saad in 4-player trade with Chicago Blackhawks |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30087369/colorado-avalanche-get-brandon-saad-4-player-trade-chicago-blackhawks |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=October 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213002238/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30087369/colorado-avalanche-get-brandon-saad-4-player-trade-chicago-blackhawks |url-status=live }} Saad missed the first three days of the teams' training camp leading up to the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Avs Goalies Use Camp Scrimmages to Work on Timing |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-goalies-use-camp-scrimmages-to-work-on-timing/c-320166700 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420000141/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-goalies-use-camp-scrimmages-to-work-on-timing/c-320166700 |url-status=live }} after initially being deemed 'unfit to play.'{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Five Avs Miss Day 1 of Training Camp |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-without-several-players-on-day-1-of-camp/c-319962864 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 4, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420003151/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-without-several-players-on-day-1-of-camp/c-319962864 |url-status=live }} Saad made his debut with the Avalanche in the season opener on January 13, 2021, while playing on the right wing alongside Nazem Kadri and Gabriel Landeskog on the second line.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Rapid Recap: Blues 4, Avalanche 1 |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-falls-4-1-to-blues-in-2021-season-opener/c-320262530 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 14, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420003151/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-falls-4-1-to-blues-in-2021-season-opener/c-320262530 |url-status=live }} After the Avalanche fell 4–1 to the St. Louis Blues, Saad was returned to his usual left wing position with Kadri at the centre and Andre Burakovsky on the right.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Avs Prepare for Second Game versus Blues |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-prepare-for-game-2-versus-blues/c-320287284 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 14, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420000146/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-prepare-for-game-2-versus-blues/c-320287284 |url-status=live }} However, Kadri and Saad also struggled and they combined for a minus-16 rating through the next six games.{{cite web |last1=Baugh |first1=Peter |title=Avs road-trip takeaways: Nazem Kadri and Brandon Saad not playing 'heavy enough' |url=https://theathletic.com/2345206/2021/01/26/colorado-avalanche-nazem-kadri-brandon-saad-bowen-byram/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230419153528/https://theathletic.com/2345206/2021/01/26/colorado-avalanche-nazem-kadri-brandon-saad-bowen-byram/ |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 26, 2021}} In their seventh game together, Saad scored twice in their win over the San Jose Sharks to improve their record to 4–3–0.{{cite web |last1=Baugh |first1=Peter |title=Scoring depth emerges as Brandon Saad and the Avalanche dismantle Sharks |url=https://theathletic.com/2348677/2021/01/27/scoring-depth-emerges-as-brandon-saad-and-the-avalanche-dismantle-sharks/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230419153707/https://theathletic.com/2348677/2021/01/27/scoring-depth-emerges-as-brandon-saad-and-the-avalanche-dismantle-sharks/ |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 27, 2021}} On January 29, Saad tallied two assists for his straight multi-point game and his first since December 2018.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Strong Defensive Play Leads to Series Sweep |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-sweep-series-vs-sharks-with-defensive-effort/c-320842380 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=January 29, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001648/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-sweep-series-vs-sharks-with-defensive-effort/c-320842380 |url-status=live }} By the end of the month, he had maintained a four-game point streak that included four goals and three assists. He also tied with Joonas Donskoi for second on the team with five goals.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Avs Relying On Depth After String of Injuries |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/relying-on-depth-after-string-of-injuries/c-320954600 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420003153/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/relying-on-depth-after-string-of-injuries/c-320954600 |url-status=live }} On February 14, 2021, Saad played in his 600th career NHL game with a total of 174 goals and 181 assists over that time span.{{cite web |last1=Vernier |first1=Andy |title=Avalanche Opens Four-Game Set with Golden Knights on Sunday |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-golden-knights-feb-14-2021-preview/c-321059442 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=February 14, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001644/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-golden-knights-feb-14-2021-preview/c-321059442 |url-status=live }} Later that month, he missed his first game of the season to be with his wife while she was giving birth.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Rapid Recap: Avalanche 3, Coyotes 2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-defeats-coyotes-to-open-trip/c-321870458 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420000141/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-defeats-coyotes-to-open-trip/c-321870458 |url-status=live }} On March 5, Saad recorded his fifth multi-point performance and first three-point game of the season.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Rapid Recap: Avalanche 3, Ducks 2 (OT) |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-rally-to-down-ducks-in-overtime/c-322156394 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=March 5, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420000143/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-rally-to-down-ducks-in-overtime/c-322156394 |url-status=live }} While playing alongside Tyson Jost and Valeri Nichushkin in April, Saad matched his career-best goal streak while tying Donskoi for fourth on the team with 15 goals. His efforts also helped the Avalanche win the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions and qualify for the 2021 playoffs.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Avs Earn Playoff Berth with Hard-Fought Game in St. Louis |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-clinch-playoff-berth-in-st-louis/c-323942910 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=April 23, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001647/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-clinch-playoff-berth-in-st-louis/c-323942910 |url-status=live }} By April 26, he had tallied 15 goals and nine assists before suffering a lower-body injury during a game against the St. Louis Blues.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Saad Out Week-to-Week as Handful of Avs Near Return |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/brandon-saad-out-weeks-as-others-near-return/c-324038232 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=April 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001645/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/brandon-saad-out-weeks-as-others-near-return/c-324038232 |url-status=live }} Saad subsequently missed the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened regular season but returned to the Avalanche's lineup for their postseason berth.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Game 1 Projected Lineup: Avalanche vs. Blues |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-vs-blues-game-1-projected-lineup/c-324770944 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=May 17, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001646/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-vs-blues-game-1-projected-lineup/c-324770944 |url-status=live }}
Upon returning to the Avalanche lineup for Game 1 of the West Division First Round, Saad played alongside Jost and Nichushkin as the Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 4–1.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Rapid Recap: Avalanche 4, Blues 1 (Game 1) |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avs-tallies-three-times-in-third-period-to-win-game-1-vs-blues/c-324781940 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=May 18, 2021}} During their Game 2 win, Saad tallied his first point of the postseason with an empty net goal to solidify their 6–3 win.{{cite web |last1=Vernier |first1=Andy |title=Avs and Blues First-Round Series Shifts to St. Louis for Game 3 |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-blues-game-3-preview/c-324867644 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=May 21, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001645/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-blues-game-3-preview/c-324867644 |url-status=live }} He subsequently scored in the next two games as the Avalanche swept the Blues in four games.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Rapid Recap: Avalanche 5, Blues 2 (Game 4) |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-earns-5-2-win-in-game-4/c-324943556 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=May 23, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420003152/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-earns-5-2-win-in-game-4/c-324943556 |url-status=live }} Saad continued his scoring prowess during their Second Round series against the Vegas Golden Knights by scoring in the first two games of their series. He set a new record for his longest goal streak in the playoffs or regular season and tied for the third-longest in franchise playoff history.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Rapid Recap: Avalanche 3, Golden Knights 2 - OT (Game 2) |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/rantanen-scores-in-ot-in-game-2/c-325153676 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001646/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/rantanen-scores-in-ot-in-game-2/c-325153676 |url-status=live }} After the Golden Knights tied the series 2–2, coach Jared Bednar placed Saad on the first line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen for Game 6. While playing in his 90th career playoff game, Saad continued to lead the team with seven goals in nine games and became the fourth player in franchise history to maintain a similar goal streak in games where the Avalanche/Nordiques were the home team.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Rapid Recap: Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 2 - OT (Game 5) |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-falls-3-2-in-overtime-in-game-5-vs-golden-knights/c-325260352 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 19, 2023 |date=June 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420001646/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-falls-3-2-in-overtime-in-game-5-vs-golden-knights/c-325260352 |url-status=live }}
==St. Louis Blues==
File:Oliver Bjorkstrand and Brandon Saad.jpg
As a free agent, Saad was signed to a five-year, $22.5 million contract by the Avalanche's divisional rival, the St. Louis Blues, on July 29, 2021.{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Saad signs five-year contract with Blues |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/saad-signs-five-year-contract-with-blues/c-325867090 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=July 29, 2021 |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403230548/https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/saad-signs-five-year-contract-with-blues/c-325867090 |url-status=live }} Although he had changed his jersey number while with the Avalanche, his new teammate Alexander Steen allowed him to return to using #20.{{cite web |title=5 questions with Brandon Saad |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/5-questions-with-brandon-saad/c-326311536 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=September 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414000704/https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/5-questions-with-brandon-saad/c-326311536 |url-status=live }} Saad began the season on the Blues' third line pairing with Robert Thomas and Vladimir Tarasenko but was expected to eventually move to the top pairing with Ryan O'Reilly.{{cite web |last1=Korac |first1=Louie |title=Blues season preview: Tarasenko's presence provides boost |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-2021-22-season-preview/c-326394026 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414000706/https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-2021-22-season-preview/c-326394026 |url-status=live }} Although he would spend time on other lines, the top unit of Saad-O’Reilly-David Perron opened 43 regular-season and playoff games together.{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Jim |title=Something old, something new as Blues roll out season-opening lines |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/something-old-something-new-as-blues-roll-out-season-opening-lines/article_e7efe908-7ada-58b4-916b-63fdbc4cd047.html |access-date=April 13, 2023 |publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch |date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013224816/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/something-old-something-new-as-blues-roll-out-season-opening-lines/article_e7efe908-7ada-58b4-916b-63fdbc4cd047.html |archive-date=October 13, 2022}} Saad experienced a successful campaign during the 2021–22 season. He was one of seven Blues players to score at least 20 goals for the first time since the 1984–85 season.{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blues boast most 20-goal scorers since 1984-85 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-boast-most-20-goal-scorers-since-1984-85-season/c-332658736 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=April 5, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414000705/https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-boast-most-20-goal-scorers-since-1984-85-season/c-332658736 |url-status=live }} He finished the regular season with 24 goals to help the Blues clinch a berth in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web |last1=Pinker |first1=Chris |title=Blues offense leading the way in 2021-22 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-offense-leading-the-way-in-2021-22-season/c-333439930 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414000705/https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-offense-leading-the-way-in-2021-22-season/c-333439930 |url-status=live }}
Saad began the 2022–23 season on a new line with Jordan Kyrou and O'Reilly, but he struggled to produce and only recorded one point over 13 games.{{cite web |last1=Rutherford |first1=Jeremy |title=Blues' Brandon Saad anything but bland lately: 'He's fun to play with' |url=https://theathletic.com/4070052/2023/01/09/blues-brandon-saad-scoring-streak/ |publisher=The Athletic |access-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230413223729/https://theathletic.com/4070052/2023/01/09/blues-brandon-saad-scoring-streak/|archive-date=April 13, 2023 |date=January 9, 2023}} Following injuries to O'Reilly and Tarasenko, Saad broke out while paired with Brayden Schenn and Ivan Barbashev. Immediately upon joining this line, he tallied five goals and two assists for seven points over four games to tie for the most points in the NHL. Once the production slowed, he replaced Buchnevich on a line with Thomas and Kyrou to "drive the net."{{cite news |last1=Korac |first1=Lou |title=Berube shuffles lines in effort to bring better results from top six |newspaper=The Hockey News St. Louis Blues News, Analysis and More |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/berube-shuffles-lines-in-effort-to-bring-better-results-from-top-six |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=April 13, 2023 |date=January 18, 2023 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414000705/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/berube-shuffles-lines-in-effort-to-bring-better-results-from-top-six |url-status=live }}
After missing the first three games of the 2024–25 season due to the birth of his third child, Saad scored his 500th career NHL point on October 22 against the Winnipeg Jets.{{cite web |last1=Korac |first1=Lou |title=Brandon Saad's Goal In First Period For St. Louis Blues Is 500th NHL Point |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/brandon-saads-goal-in-first-period-for-st-louis-blues-is-500th-nhl-point |publisher=The Hockey News |access-date=December 28, 2024 |date=October 22, 2024}} During the season, Saad's offensive production dipped as his ice time decreased due to his poor performance, often spending time on the team's bottom lines, although Saad did score a natural hat trick on January 4, 2025, in a 4–0 win over the Ottawa Senators, the third hat trick of his career.{{cite web |last1=Korac |first1=Lou |title=Saad scores natural hat trick, Blues shut out Senators |work=NHL.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ottawa-senators-st-louis-blues-game-recap-january-3 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=January 29, 2025 |date=January 4, 2025}} After continuing to play generally poorly throughout the season, including posting a team-worst plus–minus of –14, the Blues attempted to trade Saad but did not find interest from other clubs and subsequently placed Saad on waivers to send him to their AHL affiliate Springfield Thunderbirds on January 28.{{cite web |last1=Kaplan |first1=Emily |title=St. Louis Blues, Brandon Saad agree to terminate his contract |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43614306/st-louis-blues-brandon-saad-agree-terminate-contract |publisher=ESPN Inc. |access-date=January 29, 2025 |date=January 29, 2025}}{{cite web |last1=Leal |first1=Andre |title=NHL Waivers: St. Louis Blues Place Brandon Saad On The Wire |work=The Hockey News|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-waivers-st-louis-blues-place-brandon-saad-on-the-wire |publisher=Roustan Media |access-date=January 29, 2025 |date=January 28, 2025}} After clearing waivers the following day, Saad refused to report to the Thunderbirds and was instead placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of mutual contract termination, forfeiting the final year of his contract and $5.425 million in salary.
==Vegas Golden Knights==
Following his termination from the Blues, Saad signed a one-year pro-rated contract worth $1.5 million with the Vegas Golden Knights on January 31, 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-sign-forward-brandon-saad-to-one-year-contract |title=Vegas Golden Knights sign forward Brandon Saad to one-year contract |website=Vegas Golden Knights |date=January 31, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2025}}
Career statistics
=Regular season and playoffs=
| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em" |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! rowspan="98" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Regular season ! rowspan="98" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Playoffs |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |
| 2008–09
| NAHL | 47 | 29 | 18 | 47 | 48 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 10 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2009–10 | USHL | 24 | 12 | 14 | 26 | 18 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2009–10
| U.S. NTDP U18 | USDP | 39 | 17 | 15 | 32 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2010–11 | OHL | 59 | 27 | 28 | 55 | 47 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 10 |
| 2011–12
| Saginaw Spirit | OHL | 44 | 34 | 42 | 76 | 38 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 17 | 4 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2011–12 | NHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012–13
| AHL | 31 | 8 | 12 | 20 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2012–13 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 46 | 10 | 17 | 27 | 12 | 23 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| 2013–14
| Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 78 | 19 | 28 | 47 | 20 | 19 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 6 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2014–15 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 82 | 23 | 29 | 52 | 12 | 23 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 6 |
| 2015–16
| NHL | 78 | 31 | 22 | 53 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2016–17 | Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL | 82 | 24 | 29 | 53 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2017–18
| Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 82 | 18 | 17 | 35 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2018–19 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 80 | 23 | 24 | 47 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019–20
| Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 58 | 21 | 12 | 33 | 16 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2020–21 | NHL | 44 | 15 | 9 | 24 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 12 |
| 2021–22
| NHL | 78 | 24 | 25 | 49 | 10 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2022–23 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 71 | 19 | 18 | 37 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023–24
| St. Louis Blues | NHL | 82 | 26 | 16 | 42 | 20 | — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2024–25 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 43 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" | NHL totals ! 906 ! 260 ! 255 ! 515 ! 168 ! 103 ! 27 ! 28 ! 55 ! 34 |
=International=
{{MedalTableTop|name=no}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalSport|Ice hockey}}
{{MedalCompetition|IIHF U18 Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2010 Belarus|}}
{{MedalBottom}}
| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |
| ALIGN="centre" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |
| 2009
| U17 | {{bronze3}} | 7 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 2 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2010 | United States | U18 | {{gold1}} | 7 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 2012
| WJC | 7th | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
|2016 |WCH |5th |3 |0 |0 |0 |2 |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan=4 | Junior totals ! 20 ! 10 ! 13 ! 23 ! 6 |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan=4 | Senior totals ! 3 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 2 |
Awards and honors
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{Commons category|Brandon Saad}}
- {{Ice hockey stats}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saad, Brandon}}
Category:American men's ice hockey left wingers
Category:Sportspeople of Syrian descent
Category:American people of Syrian descent
Category:Chicago Blackhawks draft picks
Category:Chicago Blackhawks players
Category:Colorado Avalanche players
Category:Ice hockey people from Pittsburgh
Category:Middle Eastern Christians
Category:National Hockey League All-Stars
Category:Pine-Richland High School alumni
Category:Rockford IceHogs (AHL) players
Category:Saginaw Spirit players
Category:St. Louis Blues players
Category:Stanley Cup champions
Category:USA Hockey National Team Development Program players