Roster Chronicles: Brandon Saad a Happy Fit with Islanders?

January 31, 2025
January 31, 2025 Noah Pedrazzoli

With Brandon Saad terminating his contract, Noah Pedrazzoli ponders if he could be a good fit with the New York Islanders.

Brandon Saad

On Wednesday afternoon, the St. Louis Blues announced they were working on a mutual termination of Brandon Saad’s contract. The two-time Stanley Cup Champion had two years left on his deal with the Blues, making $4.5 million dollars a year. With his contract terminated, the Blues placed him on waivers Thursday afternoon and when he clears Friday, he becomes a free agent.

After signing Tony DeAngelo and acquiring Scott Perunovich, from the Blues Monday afternoon, should the Islanders take a chance on the 32-year-old veteran?

Brandon Saad nets a natural hat trick

“Saad brings a physical, imposing presence the Islanders middle-six could use to their advantage.”

What Does Brandon Saad Bring to the Table?

Brandon Saad is a prototypical NHL veteran who can score and get pucks to the net for juicy rebounds. The veteran has the potential to be a perfect fit for the Islanders for Patrick Roy’s physical and aggressive offensive doctrine.

Saad brings a physical, imposing presence the Islanders middle-six could use to their advantage. It could allow players like Brock Nelson, Simon Holmstrom, and Kyle Palmieri to have more room to maneuver in the offensive zone.

Where Does Brandon Saad Fit?

Saad could provide middle-six scoring and add depth to the forward lines. The Islanders have a distinct advantage over other teams, especially top-heavy teams, because Patrick Roy is capable of deploying four competent lines. Saad could strengthen this advantage further by providing additional scoring down the lineup.

With Anthony Duclair putting up only 2 points in his last 14 games, perhaps Saad could be a better compliment next to Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.  Lining him up next to Holmstrom and Pageau could also make for a formidable third line with even more scoring punch and bump Cizikas back to a more comfortable role on the 4th line.

The lineup may look a little crowded bringing him aboard, but injuries are inevitable, and having a veteran Stanley Cup champion with scoring acumen is a welcome addition to nearly any team trying to make a run at the playoffs.

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