Days after being traded by the Blackhawks, Brandon Saad has officially signed a long-term extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The team announced Friday that it's a six-year contract reportedly worth $36 million — an annual cap hit of $6 million — according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
“Adding a player of Brandon’s caliber is exciting for the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and our fans,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. “We are extremely pleased to have reached this long-term commitment that assures he will be an important part of our team for years to come.”
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It's a hefty pay raise for Saad, which isn't surprising, but it's a deal the Blackhawks simply couldn't afford due to salary cap restraints. General manager Stan Bowman acknowledged, “I don’t think we ever came close" on a contract extension, forcing him to deal Saad to the Blue Jackets for forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp, and a fourth-round draft pick in 2016.
The Blackhawks will get an early look next season at Saad and the Blue Jackets on Oct. 17 at the United Center.
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