Brandon Saad Has Signed With Western Conference Contender While Adam Boqvist Gets Claimed Off Waivers
It's official, Brandon Saad has finally chosen to sign with a Western Conference team, while Adam Boqvist was claimed off waivers by an Eastern team.
The Golden Knights are working on finalizing a contract with winger Brandon Saad as he officially cleared unconditional waivers and became a UFA today, Kevin Weekes of ESPN reports.
It's a one-year deal worth a prorated $1.5 million for the rest of the season, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet adds. Saad had his contract terminated by the Blues after he didn't report to the AHL when placed on waivers.
In other news, Adam Boqvist, who was placed on waivers yesterday, has been claimed by the New York Islanders, as the team continues to retool their roster with a series of recent moves.
It wasn't working out for Boqvist with the Panthers in Florida, so hopefully, this fresh start in New York will be just what he needs to get his career back on track.
There were reports earlier today and yesterday that Toronto GM Brad Treliving was reportedly «pushing hard» for Saad's services, along with a handful of other teams that included Edmonton, where Saad's former GM from Chicago with whom Saad won two Stanley Cups, Stan Bowman, is in charge.
The Leafs also had a relationship connection to the better days of Saad's playing career through their current head coach, Craig Berube, who coached Saad in St. Louis for over two seasons.
Vegas was rumored to be involved, but not nearly as heavily as the Leafs and Oilers, so this signing with the Golden Knights could come as somewhat of a shock to fans around the league.
We wish both these players better days ahead on their new teams, and hopefully, they will be able to provide a much-needed boost for a deep playoff run.
