The New Jersey Devils need help on offense. Throughout the month of January, they've struggled to put pucks in the back of the net. Since Christmas, the Devils have scored more than two goals in regulation five times. They desperately need finishers, and one might have fallen into their lap, but they have to compete with 31 other teams for his services.
Brandon Saad is about to become a free agent. Multiple reports said he was going on waivers, but no team wanted to take a chance on his contract. Now, it appears he'll be available for the price of a minimum contract.
Hearing Brandon Saad and the St. Louis Blues are working on a mutually-agreed contract termination
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 29, 2025
The fact that Saad is agreeing to this move shows how desperate he is to get out of St. Louis. He's walking away from more than $5 million according to Friedman and others. He's doing that so he can continue his career elsewhere and hopefully make that money this summer.
With Brandon Saad becoming a free agent, he would be a great fit for the New Jersey Devils, and the Devils would be a great fit for the player.
Could Saad join the Devils and make big money? His connection with either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier could open up that 20+ goal scorer he was almost every other year in his career. Yes, it's concerning that he has just seven goals and nine assists this season, but he had 26 goals just last year. It's very likely that Saad could bounce back with a simple fix to his game.
According to NHL Edge stats, Saad scored most of his goals from right in front of the net last season. This is exactly where Hughes and Hischier try to get the puck to their wingers. That's why Stefan Noesen is working so well this season. He knows his role and scores goals. Saad had 13 goals from spots directly in front of the net, setting himself up to hit one-time wristers and clean up rebounds.
The fit is there, and Saad would be able to make himself money by playing the right role in Sheldon Keefe's system. He would also push a player to the bottom six that would help the Devils depth overall. It also takes off the pressure to make a move for a star at the deadline. The Devils would still need someone else on offense, but the pressure to get J.T. Miller or Ryan O'Reilly isn't necessarily there if Saad is at least somewhat of a scorer (which he should be in New Jersey).
There are few no-brainers in sports, but Saad to the Devils makes sense at the price point. Tom Fitzgerald will likely be right in the conversation for this player, just like he was when Saad was originally a free agent. The former Stanley Cup champion spurned the Devils before, but he has a chance to redo a regrettable decision.