St. Louis Blues: Brandon Saad is one to keep on the team

I’ll announce it proudly. If healthy, every intention should be made to ensure Brandon Saad retires in St. Louis as a member of the Blues.

Saad’s current five-year, $22.5 million deal expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.

At 31 years old and with over a decade of NHL experience under his belt, his prime years have most likely disappeared.

But he still plays competitively, scoring 26 goals and recording 16 assists in 2023-24. His 7 game-winning goals led the team this year. Circle that stat and realize its importance.

Game-winning goals matter, as do power-play goals, which he ranked fifth on the team with 5.

Both stats prove his veteran craftiness and talent.

Brandon Saad has an impressive resume that can help the youth of the St. Louis Blues

Although fans may have been perplexed by the 2023 NHL Draft and the abundance of first-round picks, GM Doug Armstrong can't be classified as rebuilding the team.

There’s a mix of veteran leadership and youthful, skilled players.

Saad falls directly into the mix. First, he’s a two-time Cup winner, former All-Star, and previous Rookie of the Year winner. His resume screams experience and success.

He’s also still playing at a respectable level. His career highs in total points were mostly in Chicago and Columbus, but he’s putting up total points in the 40s (average) in St. Louis.

Veteran experience, particularly experience at the highest level in winning, is crucial for a team longing for a playoff return.

Saad is not only useful but can also serve as an ideal mentor to Jake Neighbours and future players like Dalibor Dvorsky, Jimmy Snuggerud, and company.

And last, let’s admit, how great would it be to see the famous Brandon Saad defeat his former team and the rival Chicago Blackhawks for the years to come? This is a storybook ending.

Let Saad play his heart out and transition into a trusted leader. Beat Chicago. This will make you even more popular.