Former Avalanche forward named top trade candidate

With the offseason rapidly approaching, we will soon see several moves around the NHL. This is especially so as we get closer to the NHL Entry Draft, as teams will surely look to make changes to their group before the start of free agency.

Due to this, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli recently released the latest edition of his Trade Targets board . Interestingly, former Colorado Avalanche forward Brandon Saad was placed at the No. 16 spot.

Seravalli noted that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has made Saad available for trade. After a solid 2023-24 campaign, Saad should generate interest, and the Blues could get a decent return for him if they elect to move him.

Saad was a very impactful scorer for the Blues this season, as he posted 26 goals and 42 points in 82 games. With several clubs out there looking for more scoring in their middle six, Saad could be a hot commodity this summer.

Saad, 31, carries a $4.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2024-25 season. Overall, his contract is reasonable for what he provides, which only heightens his value. However, he has complete say over if and where he would get moved, as he carries a full no-trade clause for the 2024-25 season.

Saad spent the 2020-21 season with the Avalanche, recording 15 goals and 24 points in 44 regular-season games. In the playoffs for the Avs, he had seven goals and an assist in 10 games.

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