Todd Richards has 'no doubt' Brandon Saad will make Blue Jackets better

Todd Richards is counting on a 22-year-old to help take his team to new heights.

The Columbus Blue Jackets head coach watched as the front office acquired Brandon Saad from the Chicago Blackhawks shortly after the young forward won his second Stanley Cup with the club, and he's eager to welcome that type of experience into the locker room.

"I just want him to come in here and be Brandon Saad, first and foremost," Richards told Rob Mixer of BlueJackets.com. "There are things he can add to this team on the ice in game situations and practice, but there’s also a lot he can bring to our room. A winning attitude, confidence, knowing that you’ve won and know what it takes. There will be some leadership there."

Saad joins a group of core roster players under 25, including Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner, and Alex Wennberg, and his addition will help the team improve immediately, Richards estimates.

"We know what type of player he is; he’s an honest, hard-working player with a lot of speed and he can finish plays," Richards said. "He was on a great team and he’s going to come in here and make this team better, there’s no doubt in my mind."

Saad is coming off a career year, scoring 23 goals and recording 52 total points, while also contributing eight goals over 23 postseason games.

He signed a six-year, $36-million contract with the Blue Jackets, and will look to help them rebound from an injury-plagued 2014-15 campaign.