Blues' Saad Clears Waivers, Faces Contract Termination

St. Louis Blues forward Brandon Saad has cleared waivers and will be assigned to the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds, with a mutual contract termination following soon after. The Blues and Saad agreed on the termination, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, while the team removes his $4.5 million cap hit from their books. Saad, who has struggled this season with seven goals and 16 points in 43 games, was unable to be traded due to his performance and no-trade clause. The Blues are looking to make room for younger players, marking a shift in their strategy as they aim to improve their position in the Western Conference. Saad’s career highlights include winning two Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks, but his current performance has not attracted interest from other teams. Despite his experience, his high cap hit and diminished production make him a viable buyout candidate.