Sports
Vegas Golden Knights Sign Veteran Forward Brandon Saad to One-Year Deal
VEGAS (January 31, 2025) – The Vegas Golden Knights have signed veteran forward Brandon Saad to a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season, General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced Friday. The deal is worth an average annual value of $1.5 million.
Saad, 32, joins the Golden Knights after his contract with the St. Louis Blues was mutually terminated earlier this week. The Blues had placed him on waivers Wednesday after failing to find a trade partner in recent months, sources told ESPN.
In 43 games this season, Saad recorded 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) with a 9.3 shooting percentage, the second-lowest mark of his 14-year NHL career. Despite the recent struggles, Saad brings a wealth of experience, including two Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015.
“Brandon is a proven winner and a versatile forward who adds depth to our lineup,” McCrimmon said in a statement. “His playoff experience and leadership will be invaluable as we push for another championship.”
Saad has appeared in 906 NHL games, tallying 515 points (260 goals, 255 assists) with a +37 rating. He ranks third among American-born skaters in games played since his rookie season in 2012-13 and 10th in goals scored during that span. Last season, he scored 26 goals while playing in all 82 games for the Blues.
The Pittsburgh native has also been a consistent performer in the postseason, recording 55 points (27 goals, 28 assists) in 103 playoff games. His eight goals during Chicago’s 2015 Stanley Cup run were the third-most on the team.
Drafted by the Blackhawks in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Saad has played for four teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 2016 and finished that season with a career-high 31 goals.
The Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023, are currently in playoff contention and hope Saad’s addition will bolster their roster for a deep postseason run.