Blue Jackets sign Stanley Cup winner Saad to mega deal

American forward Brandon Saad has parlayed a string of recent Stanley Cup titles into a six-year multi-million dollar contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Saad, who won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015, signed the deal three days after being traded by National Hockey League champions to Columbus. The contract is reported to be worth $36 million.

In need of salary-cap relief, Chicago shipped Saad to Columbus on Tuesday as part of a seven-player swap. Saad was expected to get a considerable raise next season after becoming a restricted free agent.

The Blackhawks received Russian centre Artem Anisimov, Austrian forward Marko Dano and wingers Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp, of the US, in the trade.

Morin played parts of five seasons with the Blackhawks before being sent to Columbus six months ago and then was reacquired by Chicago on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Saad posted career highs of 23 goals and 29 assists in 2014-15, and added eight goals in 23 postseason games to help the Blackhawks to their second Stanley Cup title in three years.

Saad was surprisingly left off the American team that finished fourth in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

"Adding a player of Brandon's calibre is exciting for the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and our fans, and we are extremely pleased to have reached this long-term commitment that assures he will be an important part of our team for years to come," said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

In 208 regular-season games, the Pittsburgh native has recorded 52 goals and 74 assists.
Source: AFP