Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said less than two weeks ago that he was hopeful the team would keep restricted free agent Brandon Saad.
Guess that didn’t work out.
The Hawks dealt the 22-year-old budding star to Columbus in a trade involving seven players. Coming to the Hawks are forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp while the Blue Jackets receive Saad, forward Alex Broadhurst and defenseman Michael Paliotta.
“He’s a great young player and a great young man,” Bowman said. “It was a joy to have him on our team.”
The Blackhawks also get a fourth-round draft pick in 2016.
Bowman refused to talk specifics on the negotiations but did say: “We certainly tried our best. I don’t think we came close on a contract.”
Saad recorded career-highs in goals (23), assists (29) and points (52) in all 82 regular-season games with the Hawks last season. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native added 11 points, including a career-best eight goals, in 23 postseason games en route to his second Stanley Cup title (2013, 2015).
Anisimov, 27, is the centerpiece of the deal for the Blackhawks. He totaled 27 points in 52 games for the Blue Jackets last season and has competed for his native Russia in several international competitions, including the 2014 Olympics.
TOP SAAD MOMENTS FROM 2015
Fortunately for Chicago fans, Brandon Saad created a number of thrilling moments while a Blackhawk, including these three from this year’s playoffs.
Game 4 vs. Tampa Bay
Down 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final, the Hawks needed a clutch goal to even the series. Enter Saad. Midway through the third period, he drove to the net, lost the puck, regained control and tucked it between goaltender Ben Bishop’s legs to score the winning tally. That will stand as his last goal as a Blackhawk.
Game 6 vs. Tampa Bay
As awesome as Patrick Kane’s goal was to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead in the Cup clincher, the play started with a beautiful no-look drop pass to Brad Richards, who then fed Kane. A masterpiece all around.
Game 4 vs. Anaheim
Saad had three points in this double-overtime marathon victory that evened the series against the Ducks at 2-2. He ignited the Hawks offense with a shorthanded goal, charging past the Anaheim defense before flipping one past goalie Frederik Andersen. It was the kind of play Chicago fans will miss for years to come.
Chris Sosa is RedEye’s sports editor. @redeyesportschi
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