Chicago Blackhawks Stunningly Decide to Trade Brandon Saad to Columbus Blue Jackets

With the Chicago Blackhawks once again up against the salary cap after winning the Stanley Cup, everyone knew general manager Stan Bowman would have to make some cap clearing moves this summer.

Patrick Sharp, along with his $5.9 million cap hit, seemed like the player most likely to be traded. In a shocking turn of events, Bowman has instead decided to trade away left-winger Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

At the age of just 22, Saad has already won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. The former second-round pick scored 23 goals to go along with 29 assists during the 2014-15 season and was one of Chicago’s best players throughout their Stanley Cup run. He was the team’s third-leading scorer with eight goals during the playoffs.

Saad is a restricted free agent and is expected to receive a significant raise over the $894,000 he made last year. By trading Saad, Bowman and the Blackhawks clearly thought an offer sheet was coming for him, and at a price they didn’t feel comfortable matching.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Saad was looking for a six-year deal with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Once the Blackhawks knew they would rather keep Sharp than cough up that type of money for Saad, a trade became the best scenario.