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The Chicago Blackhawks have traded Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
BREAKING: #CBJ has acquired forward Brandon Saad (@BSaad20) from the #Blackhawks. More info to follow. pic.twitter.com/lzhGUmQQZJ
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 30, 2015
Chicago receives Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp, and a fourth-round pick in 2016 in exchange for Saad and prospects Michael Paliotta and Alex Broadhurst, according to the Blue Jackets' official website.
Jarmo on Saad: "He is a proven winner and exactly the kind of player we want as a Columbus Blue Jacket."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 30, 2015
Saad was set to enter July as one of the top restricted free agents on the market, making him a target for offer sheets. Chicago's cap commitments would make it difficult for them to match a sizable offer sheet without trading a big contract like Patrick Sharp or Bryan Bickell.
Related: Ryan Johansen on Saad trade: 'That's a game-changer right there'
The trade comes as a surprise after Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman told Saad "we're going to win many together" when Chicago won its third Stanley Cup in six seasons.
Stan Bowman on Brandon Saad: "It's a challenge to try to negotiate a contract. ... weren't able to reach an agreement." Then looked trade.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 30, 2015
