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Brandon Saad signed with the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, the team announced.
The Knights have him for the remainder of the season at a $1.5-million cap hit, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
This signing comes moments after Saad cleared unconditional waivers to terminate his contract with the St. Louis Blues. The left winger was in the fourth year of a five-year, $4.5-million contract.
The team and player mutually agreed to have Saad’s contract terminated after he was placed on NHL waivers on Tuesday. The two-time Stanley Cup champion wanted to continue playing in the NHL, which led to the contract being erased.
A handful of teams were reportedly interested in acquiring the 32-year-old veteran. Other teams who were reportedly in the hunt were the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and more.
Up to this point in the season, it hasn’t been a campaign to remember for Saad. In 43 games, he’s recorded seven goals and nine assists for 16 points.
The Pittsburgh native has six 20-goal seasons and seven 40-point seasons in his 14-year career.
In an 82-game pace, Saad is on track to have the lowest point and goal totals since his rookie season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012-13, which was a shortened season due to a lockout.
However, a new opportunity is presented to Saad to join the Golden Knights. In points, Vegas is tied for third in the NHL and finds itself in a race with the Oilers to lead the Pacific Division.
Saad’s positive impact could not come sooner as Vegas have lost seven of its last nine games. Their next game is at Madison Square Garden as they visit the red-hot New York Rangers on Sunday at 6 p.m. EST.
Related: Four NHL Teams That Should Have Considered Signing Brandon Saad
