Chicago Blackhawks: Is Brandon Saad a part of the future?

The Chicago Blackhawks have some more work to do before their season begins but is number 20 going to be a part of it for them?

The Chicago Blackhawks are pretty deep at forward. They have the big four in Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Dylan Strome, and Alex DeBrincat surrounded by a bunch of other solid players that can help contribute offense and defend well. Brandon Saad leads all of those forwards in terms of credibility. The question is, are the Blackhawks going to keep him.

If there becomes an issue with cap space over the next little while, Brandon Saad might be the first to go. He is the third-highest paid forward on the team with a six million dollar cap hit. He had 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 2018-19 and that was playing all over the lineup. Those are respectable numbers for any NHL player but the six million dollars might be better spent somewhere else.

Saad’s second stint with the Blackhawks has been a rough time for him regardless because of the fact he was on the wrong side of one of the worst trades in recent NHL history. The Blackhawks sent Artemi Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets to reacquire Saad. He is a great player but Panarin is a superstar. Either way, Panarin is gone and the Blackhawks have a decision to make with Saad.

Strome and DeBrincat are on entry-level deals that will expire after this upcoming season and they are going to require significant raises. Saad might be the odd man out. It is honestly a tough decision because it is hard to find players like him. He can play on any line you need him on and he can help you. It is an interesting position to be in for Stan Bowman, as he tries to retool this team before Kane and Toews are past their prime.

Saad is a very good player and if they do decide to keep him, hopefully, he can earn the right to a premier spot in the lineup and help this team win hockey games. His time with the Blackhawks might be numbered, so asking if he is really a part of the future at 26 years old is a valid question. If it were up to me, I would trade him if the right package was presented to me and free up those six million dollars against the salary cap. If the right package is not presented, I would keep him because I still think he can provide value and you can expect at least 20 goals per season.