Jan 14, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Calgary Flames center Rory Kerins (86) pressures St. Louis Blues left wing Brandon Saad (20) in the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

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Brandon Saad Parts Ways with St. Louis Blues

Veteran forward Brandon Saad becomes a free agent after contract termination, clearing $4.5M cap space for the Blues.

The team announced Wednesday that the St. Louis Blues and forward Brandon Saad have agreed to part ways. This decision came shortly after Saad went unclaimed on waivers.

The 32-year-old forward is giving up over $5 million in salary by agreeing to terminate his contract. In return, he’ll go on unconditional waivers Thursday. If he clears waivers, he’ll become a free agent, free to sign with any team. For the Blues, this move takes Saad’s $4.5 million cap hit completely off their salary cap.

Brandon Saad’s time as a Blue has come to an end. He’ll walk away from north of $5 million to be free to sign another contract with a contender.

This is the first time I can remember seeing something like this. Walking away from that much money to not retire but sign for way… pic.twitter.com/MsBHs6KtPZ
— Gateway Grinders (@gatewaygrinders) January 29, 2025

Blues GM Doug Armstrong shared that the team tried to trade Saad before placing him on waivers, but no deal could be made. Saad had one season left on the five-year, $22.5 million contract he signed in 2021.

Also Read: NHL Players on the Trade Block Following Mikko Rantanen Deal

“If we could find a match, we would, The market speaks and then you just react.” : Armstrong said.

During his four seasons with St. Louis, Saad played 274 games, scoring 76 goals (tied for third on the team with Brayden Schenn and Robert Thomas) and tallying 144 points (fifth overall for the Blues).

This season, however, has been a struggle for Saad. He’s recorded just seven goals and 16 points in 43 games, with his average ice time dropping to 14:36 per game. He’s also been scratched from the lineup five times.

Image Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

Brandon Saad

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Anamika Shrivastava

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