Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brandon Saad

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Brandon Saad made an impact.

Brandon Saad is a professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. Known for his two-way play, combining offensive skill with defensive responsibility, Saad has had a successful career. He initially gained prominence with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won two Stanley Cups. Saad has also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche, showcasing his versatility and consistency throughout his NHL career. He represents the United States internationally.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1917: Matching a League Record

In the season opener of 2017, Saad's hat trick was one of four around the league, matching a new league record set in 1917.

1965: First Blackhawks Hat Trick in a Season Opener since 1965

During the 2017-2018 season opener, Brandon Saad became the first Blackhawks player to score a hat trick in a season opener since Bobby Hull in 1965.

2003: Lowest selected Chicago draft pick

In 2011, Brandon Saad became the lowest-selected Chicago draft pick to start with the Blackhawks in their draft year since defenceman Lasse Kukkonen in the 2003–04 season.

2008: Drafted by Saginaw Spirit

In 2008, Brandon Saad was drafted by the Saginaw Spirit in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft.

2009: Joined NTDP

In 2009, Brandon Saad joined the NTDP (USA Hockey National Team Development Program).

October 4, 2011: Signed with the Blackhawks

On October 4, 2011, Brandon Saad signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks after impressing the coaching staff during training camp.

October 7, 2011: NHL Debut

On October 7, 2011, Brandon Saad made his NHL debut against the Dallas Stars.

2011: Fifth Among 2011 Draftees

By the end of the 2014-2015 season, Brandon Saad's 208 regular-season games ranked fifth among 2011 draftees.

2011: Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks

In 2011, Brandon Saad was drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL).

2011: Ranked by NHL Central Scouting Bureau

In January 2011, Brandon Saad was ranked eighth among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and was named to Team Orr for the CHL Top Prospects game. He was eventually drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks.

April 19, 2012: Playoff Debut and First NHL Point

On April 19, 2012, Brandon Saad made his playoff debut as the Blackhawks fell to the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 4. He scored his first career NHL point with an assist on a goal by Nick Leddy in Game 5.

2012: Reassigned to Rockford IceHogs

Ahead of the 2012–13 season, Brandon Saad was reassigned to the Blackhawks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, in anticipation of the 2012–13 NHL lockout.

2012: Continued to Produce Offensively

During the 2012 OHL Playoffs, Saad continued to produce offensively and led the team in scoring.

2013: Testing at Center Position

In 2013, Brandon Saad was tested at the center position on the second line with Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa. Despite not playing center since junior hockey, coach Quenneville saw potential in Saad's ability to adapt to the role.

2013: Stanley Cup Champion

In 2013, Brandon Saad won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks.

2013: First NHL Goal and Record-Breaking Game

In the 2012-2013 season, Saad scored his first career NHL goal on February 5 against the San Jose Sharks. On February 22, 2013, he scored the Blackhawks' game-winning goal, securing an NHL-record 17th straight game with at least one point to start a season.

2014: Early Candidate for Breakout Season

Entering the 2014-2015 season, Brandon Saad was considered an early candidate for a breakout season, expected to be a key player on the second line. He experienced inconsistent roles early in the season, scoring just one goal and seven assists in the first 13 games.

2014: Upper-body Injury and Healthy Scratch

On March 16, 2014, Brandon Saad suffered an upper-body injury in a loss to the Detroit Red Wings, sidelining him for three games. Upon his return, he struggled, leading to him being a healthy scratch on April 6, 2014, in a game against the St. Louis Blues.

June 30, 2015: Trade to Columbus Blue Jackets

On June 30, 2015, after winning the Stanley Cup, Brandon Saad's negotiation rights were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He signed a six-year contract extension with the team shortly after.

2015: Career-High Season and NHL Winter Classic

In 2015, Brandon Saad achieved a career-high season with 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points. During the 2015 NHL Winter Classic, he contributed to Toews setting an NHL record for most points in an outdoor game.

2015: Stanley Cup Victory and Playoff Performance

In 2015, Brandon Saad played a significant role in the Blackhawks' playoff run, scoring crucial goals, including the game-tying goal in Game 4 against the Nashville Predators. He scored two goals in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, contributing to the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victory.

2015: Second Stanley Cup Win and Trade to Columbus

In 2015, Brandon Saad won his second Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks. He was then traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2015–16 NHL season.

2016: World Cup of Hockey and Blue Jackets Performance

During the 2016 offseason, Brandon Saad participated in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as a member of Team North America. He later reached his 200th career NHL point on December 5, 2016 with an assist during a game against the Arizona Coyotes.

2016: First NHL All-Star Game Selection and 30-Goal Milestone

In 2016, Brandon Saad was voted into his first NHL All-Star Game. During the 2015-2016 season, Saad recorded his first career NHL hat-trick on April 2, 2016, and reached the 30-goal milestone, finishing with a career-high 31 goals.

June 23, 2017: Return to Chicago Blackhawks

On June 23, 2017, Brandon Saad was traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks. He rejoined Jonathan Toews on the top line.

2017: Trade Back to Blackhawks

In 2017, Brandon Saad was reacquired by the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade before the 2017–18 NHL season.

2017: Stanley Cup Playoffs and Limited Ice Time

In 2017, the Blue Jackets qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs where they faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. In Game 1 of their first round series, Saad played 14:26 of ice time but was limited to 1:45 in the third as he was benched for the majority of the period.

December 2018: Multi-point game

In December 2018, Saad had his first multi-point game since then.

2018: Lowest Point Total and Shooting Percentage Drop

During the 2017-2018 season, Brandon Saad finished with 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points, the lowest point total of his NHL career. He also experienced a significant drop in his shooting percentage.

2018: Training camp and line changes

In 2018, Saad began training camp on the second line but was later demoted to the fourth line after a slow start to the season. Despite the demotion, his production increased, and he was eventually reunited with Kane and Anisimov on the second line.

December 8, 2019: 400th game with Chicago

On December 8, 2019, Saad played in his 400th game with Chicago.

2019: Season performance and playoffs miss

In 2019, Saad finished the regular season on the top line, tallying 12 goals and 23 assists in 79 games. However, the Blackhawks missed the Stanley Cup playoffs.

October 10, 2020: Trade to Colorado Avalanche

On October 10, 2020, Saad was traded to the Colorado Avalanche along with Dennis Gilbert, in exchange for Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm.

January 13, 2021: Avalanche debut

On January 13, 2021, Saad made his debut with the Avalanche, playing on the right wing.

February 14, 2021: 600th NHL game

On February 14, 2021, Saad played in his 600th career NHL game, having accumulated 174 goals and 181 assists over that time.

July 29, 2021: Signing with the St. Louis Blues

On July 29, 2021, as a free agent, Saad signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the St. Louis Blues.

2022: Season performance and line changes

In 2022, Saad began the season on a new line but struggled initially. After line changes due to injuries, he experienced a breakout, tying for the most points in the NHL over four games.

2022: Blues' Season and Stanley Cup Playoffs Berth

In 2022, Saad finished the regular season with 24 goals to help the Blues clinch a berth in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.

2024: Start of the season and dip in performance

In 2024, Saad missed the first three games of the season due to the birth of his third child. During the season, his offensive production dipped, leading to reduced ice time.