NHL: St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn — Elliotte Friedman reports that the Blues are looking to trade Brandon Saad (image credit: IMAGN)

Elliotte Friedman claims Blues eyeing to trade Brandon Saad after acquiring Ducks' Cam Fowler

Modified Dec 15, 2024 17:13 GMT

The St. Louis Blues made a big move on Saturday by acquiring defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks. However, reports suggest the team is also looking to trade veteran forward Brandon Saad.

Elliotte Friedman reported during "Hockey Night in Canada" that the Blues are actively exploring trade options for Saad.

“The Blues would like to move him (Saad),” Friedman said on Saturday, via thefourthperiod.com “He’s been willing to consider some other options.”

Despite having a full no-trade clause, Saad is reportedly open to considering other teams. He was scratched from Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars, raising speculation about ongoing trade talks.

Saad has one year left on his contract after this season. His cap hit is $4.5 million, with $4.375 million in salary this year and $3.625 million next year. In 27 games this season, Saad has recorded four goals and six assists, which is below his career averages.

Saad has had a long and steady NHL career, with 509 points in 890 games. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks and will bring valuable experience to any team.

The Blues have been inconsistent this season, holding a 14-14-3 record and sixth in the Central Division. They have struggled with defensive lapses and need more consistent scoring to improve. Adding Fowler could help, but trading Saad might indicate a shift in their strategy.

It is unclear which teams are interested in Saad or how soon a trade could potentially happen. For now, fans will have to see how the team’s lineup evolves.

St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Cam Fowler from the Ducks

The St. Louis Blues sent Jeremie Biakabutuka and a 2027 second-round pick to Anaheim for Cam Fowler and a 2027 fourth-round pick. In his statement, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek praised Fowler for his time with the team.

"This was a difficult trade to make considering what Cam has meant to this organization," Verbeek said on Saturday, per NHL.com, "He has been a valuable and respected member of our team for 15 seasons, representing the Ducks with ultimate class."

Fowler was drafted by the Ducks in 2010 and has spent his entire 15-year career in Anaheim. He has played 17 games this season, recording four assists and six penalty minutes. Over his career, Fowler has played 991 NHL games, scoring 96 goals with 361 assists for 457 points. He has also appeared in 62 playoff games, earning 33 points.