Brandon Saad Signs with Vegas for Remainder of Season

Veteran forward Brandon Saad has officially found a new home, signing a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Just days after mutually terminating his contract with the St. Louis Blues, Saad has secured a fresh start with a top contender, joining a Vegas team that is looking to bolster its depth ahead of the playoffs.

A Financial Sacrifice for a Fresh Opportunity

Saad’s decision to walk away from over $5 million in remaining salary in St. Louis was a significant gamble, but one that has seemingly paid off. His original contract, which carried a $4.5 million cap hit through next season, was proving to be a major hurdle for potential suitors. By agreeing to a contract termination, Saad was able to bypass waivers and become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with a team of his choosing.

Now, with a cap-friendly $1.5 million deal, Vegas gets an experienced playoff performer without committing long-term, while Saad gets the opportunity to revive his career on a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

A Proven Veteran with Playoff Experience

At 32 years old, Saad brings 906 NHL games of experience, including seven 20-goal seasons and two Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks. While this season has been a struggle—posting just 7 goals and 16 points with a -14 rating in St. Louis—Saad remains a responsible two-way winger with the ability to contribute in key moments.

Vegas is betting that a change of scenery and a structured system under head coach Bruce Cassidy will help Saad rediscover his game.

A Missed Opportunity for Toronto?

The Toronto Maple Leafs were rumored to be a potential landing spot for Saad, given their need for a top-six left winger and his past connection to head coach Craig Berube from their time in St. Louis.

With Toronto’s tight cap situation, a league-minimum contract would have been the ideal scenario—but at $1.5 million, the Leafs may have been unable (or unwilling) to make the financial commitment.

Now, instead of possibly joining Toronto’s playoff push, Saad is heading west to Vegas, where he will slot into an already deep forward group looking to defend their Stanley Cup title.

What’s Next?

Saad’s move to Vegas gives the Golden Knights another battle-tested forward for their playoff run. Meanwhile, the Leafs will have to look elsewhere if they hope to bolster their forward depth before the trade deadline.

Did Toronto miss out on a valuable addition, or was Saad simply out of their price range? Either way, time will tell if this decision benefits the Golden Knights in their quest for another Stanley Cup.

Go Leafs Go!