ST. LOUIS (KMOX ) - Brandon Saad's time with the St. Louis Blues is over, with the Blues announcing they are placing Saad on unconditional waivers for purposes of contract termination.
Saad was placed on waivers Tuesday but cleared waivers. According to Puckpedia, if Saad mutually terminates his contract, he would lose $5.425M of cash that's still owed to him and the Blues will save his full $4.5M cap hit instead of just $1.15M if he was in minors.
Saad joined the Blues on a five-year deal worth $22.5 million and still had one year remaining on his contract, with $3.63 million still remaining in his actual cash.
Overall, Saad has had a solid time in St. Louis, scoring 74 goals and posting 144 points in 274 games.
But this season has proved to be a struggle for Saad, who has registered only 16 points in 43 games this season and has posted a -14.
According to Armstrong via The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford, the decision to place Saad on waivers is a way to open some opportunities up for some different players.
However, Armstrong says they don't have any plans at the moment to recall anyone up from Springfield in the AHL.
Saad was the subject of trade rumors earlier this season, despite having a no-trade clause. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported back on Dec. 14 that the Blues appeared to have tried to shop around Saad after acquiring Fowler.
With Saad's departure, the Blues will still have 13 forwards on its roster, but will only be carrying six defenseman.
Once Saad clears unconditional waivers, he will head to free agency and allow to sign with any other NHL team.