The Chicago Blackhawks have traded left wing Brandon Saad, along with prospects Michael Paliotta and Alex Broadhurst, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp and a fourth-round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: And the stunning trades of the summer of 2015 just keep on coming. This one, however, is a significant multiplayer deal that no one saw coming. Say what you will about the Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic trades, but there was trade speculation about them leading up to their deals. There was no hint this blockbuster was coming.
Blackhawks ship Brandon Saad to Blue Jackets in multi-player trade.
So why did the Blackhawks trade Saad? Yes, they had to free up cap space, but the 22-year-old wingers was a restricted free agent and an up-and-coming star who helped them win two Stanley Cups in three years.
There are two reasons. One, he was reportedly seeking $6 million per season on a six-year-deal. Second, it appears Saad was going to receive a significant offer sheet which the ‘Hawks couldn’t afford to match. Little wonder GM Stan Bowman opted to trade him.
Unlike the Hamilton and Lucic trades, however, this deal sees the Blackhawks get some good players in return. Anisimov, 27, is a big (6’4″, 200 lbs), versatile forward who can play center or wing and possesses good playmaking and two-way skills. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued him in his career, but perhaps he can improve the latter with the ‘Hawks. Morin, 24, has some potential as a scoring winger and can play either side of center. Tropp, 25, could be a decent addition to their checking lines.
The real prize, however, is Dano. A first-round pick (27th overall) in 2013, he showed some promise during his brief NHL debut last season, tallying 21 points in 35 games. If he blossoms into the scorer he’s projected to become, he could be a big star with the Blackhawks.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, take a significant step forward with the addition of Saad. He brings winning experience and skilled offense to the Blue Jackets forward lines. He’s continually improved with each season so far, tallying a career-best 52 points in 82 games. It’s not difficult picturing him on their first line with playmaking center Ryan Johansson or their second line alongside Brandon Dubinsky. The Jackets also add more youth to their system in Paliotta and Broadhurst.
Time will tell how this deal pans out long term for both clubs. For now, the Jackets added scoring depth to their left wing, while the Blackhawks add depth at center and a promising winger who could prove a more-than-suitable replacement for Saad. It’ll also be interesting to see if this deal affects the trade status of Patrick Sharp, Bryan Bickell and Kris Versteeg. They were being shopped prior to this trade. The ‘Hawks still need to free up cap space to bolster their defense, which could change the type of return they’ll seek for those forwards.
WOW. Never ever thought this would happen. Time to change my name lol
Wow is right, good thing Columbus threw in that 4th rd pick. Talk about lop sided. Where`s Shanny and his committee, asleep at the wheel again. Chicago would have done better if some one made an offer sheet. Hamilton wasn`t about money, I don`t think anyone can say they saw this coming.
I think Anisimov is a better center than any the Leafs would be giving up and Dano is going to ne a very good player, not sure this as lopsided as you seem to think. Its a pretty fair deal for both.
I think Bowman could have done better. Never been a fan of Artie. But he is a UFA next year and they are looking for a short term fix so they can resign Seabrook.
But withthis deal anything can happen.
The Hawks new an offer sheet was coming, obviously the weren’t happy with just draft picks. They had to make the deal before the offer sheet came. I am not sure how anyone can think they could of got more under those circumstances.
I am not sure there is a better team for finding players snd ways around the cap than Bowman and the Hawks Dano is only 20 still club controlled elc who may turn into a player who puts up very comparable to Saad in the near future and not cost 6×6, Anisimov is a shortterm replacement for a 2 C both very good defensively. Dont get me wrong Saad has developed in to a hell of a player but that seems a little steep of a price, and sometimes even a good players value gets a little exaggerated when playing on a team like the Hawks…threat of offersheeys I am sure sped up the process I think Bowman did good considering.
Lyle, what was wrong with the Lucic deal? For someone that was going to leave anyways, they pretty much got two 1st round picks, and two prospects. And that first round pick in 2016 could be in the lottery. I would say that’s a pretty good haul
I think he was just saying that the Bruins got no good players in return. I agree, the draft picks was a pretty great haul for them, but they didn’t fill out their roster with their return.
Bingo. The return could help the Bruins in the long term. For next season, it certainly doesn’t.
I think it’s incorrect to say the Bruins got no good players in return. They acquired Martin Jones, whom they then dealt to San Jose for a promising NCAA prospect and San Jose’s 1st round pick in 2016. They also received Colin Miller, who had the second best points total of all AHL d-men, last season. Miller has speed, a hard shot, and plays sound defence. He could make the Bruins out of training camp. Yes, they Hamilton deal was bad, but the Lucic deal was a good one.
What did they get that helps them this season? That’s the point being made here. Yes, they got draft picks which, over the long term, could help them. For next season, they’ve got nothing.
If Columbus stays healthy watch out.
7 potential 20+ goal scorers – Saad, Johansen, Foligno, Dubinsky, Hartnell, Atkinson, Jenner. With a vicious forecheck
best offseason week ever?
I expect CBJs to add a dman soon ufa or trade.could see them possibly shop Hartnell as well.
Hawks are a little under the gun now to free up space , not sure they are going to like the offers for Sharp now and i see them flipping Anisimov for a cheaper player as well
From all the talk about Saad, you’d think he was 40 goal scorer. I looked up Saad on hockeydb. He score all of 23 goals last year and that was playing on the best team in the NHL. His reputation is far greater than his deeds.
Any comments on his playoff performance, Ferd? The kid is a stud, especially in big games. He and Johansen will have big years for Columbus.