The Toronto Maple Leafs continuously search methods to enhance their roster, and a latest commerce proposal has sparked some attention-grabbing discussions. PuckPedia’s PuckGM software permits followers to create hypothetical trades, and one person proposed a deal that would see the Maple Leafs purchase Brandon Saad from the St. Louis Blues.
What makes this commerce significantly intriguing is that Toronto’s new head coach, Craig Berube, is aware of Saad effectively, having coached him throughout his time with the Blues. The large query is, would Berube need Saad again on his workforce now that he’s main the Maple Leafs?
Who Is Brandon Saad?
Saad, a seasoned left winger born in Pittsburgh, PA, has carved out a powerful NHL profession since being drafted forty third general by the Chicago Blackhawks within the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 kilos, Saad has been a dependable offensive contributor, constantly scoring round 20 targets per season.
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Over his 863 NHL video games, he’s racked up 253 targets and 246 assists, totaling 499 factors. Saad can be a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having gained with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015. His greatest season got here in 2015-16 with the Columbus Blue Jackets when he scored a career-high 31 targets. Final season, he added 26 targets and 16 assists for 42 factors in 82 video games with the Blues.
The Proposed Maple Leafs & Blues Commerce
On this proposed deal, the Maple Leafs would ship David Kämpf and a 2026 first-round decide to St. Louis in change for Saad. This commerce might present the Maple Leafs with the dependable secondary scoring they want, significantly on the left wing, a place they’ve been actively attempting to bolster.
The Upsides for the Maple Leafs
Saad might be the perfect addition if the Maple Leafs need dependable secondary scoring. At 31 years previous, he brings a wealth of NHL expertise and a monitor document of constant goal-scoring. He usually places up round 20 targets per season, whatever the workforce he’s taking part in for. With two years remaining on his contract, he might supply the Maple Leafs helpful depth and offensive manufacturing, particularly throughout a playoff run.
One other important upside is Saad’s playoff expertise and management. With two Stanley Cup rings, he is aware of what it takes to win, which might be helpful for a Maple Leafs workforce with a championship aim. Saad’s presence might additionally enhance Toronto’s top-six ahead group, solidifying the left-wing place.
The Downsides for the Maple Leafs
Nevertheless, there are some potential downsides to this commerce. Saad is within the fourth 12 months of a five-year, $22.5 million contract, which carries a cap hit that would pressure the Maple Leafs’ already tight wage cap scenario. Parting with a first-round decide and a reliable bottom-six defensive-minded participant like David Kämpf can be a big value.
There’s additionally the matter of alternative value. The Maple Leafs have youthful gamers ready for his or her likelihood to step up, and bringing in a veteran like Saad might restrict these alternatives. This choice requires weighing the short-term enhance towards the long-term growth of the workforce’s youthful expertise.
What Would Coach Berube Assume?
Given his familiarity with Saad, Coach Craig Berube’s perspective can be essential in deciding whether or not to tug the set off on this commerce. Berube is aware of what Saad brings to the desk—his work ethic, consistency, and talent to carry out within the postseason. However Berube would additionally concentrate on the challenges, similar to how Saad may match into the present roster and whether or not his wage might hinder different potential strikes.
Finally, Saad might fill an vital function and supply the workforce with a veteran presence. That mentioned, making this commerce would require cautious consideration of the workforce’s long-term cap scenario and whether or not Saad’s contribution would outweigh the property given up. With coaching camp approaching and GM Brad Treliving hinting at extra strikes, will probably be attention-grabbing to see if Toronto pulls the set off on a deal like this to bolster its roster.
Would Coach Berube give this commerce his blessing? That might be the important thing to a commerce like this.
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