Blackhawks trade Saad to Blue Jackets

The Chicago Blackhawks said all along that Brandon Saad would be back next season. Right up until Tuesday afternoon. The Stanley Cup champions parted with Saad in a seven-player deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on the eve of NHL free agency, wary of a big offer sheet for the rugged forward the Blackhawks would be unable to match with their salary cap situation.

The 22-year-old Saad set career highs with 23 goals and 29 assists in 82 games this past season. He then had eight goals and three assists in the playoffs, helping Chicago to its third NHL title in six seasons.

Saad was eligible for restricted free agency, and Chicago is trying to manage its salary cap with twin extensions for captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane kicking in for next season. Key centre Marcus Kruger also is a restricted free agent. FLAMES INK DOUGIE: The Calgary Flames have signed Dougie Hamilton to a six-year contract.

Hamilton’s deal is reportedly worth $34.5 million (U.S.). That means the 22-year-old defenceman will count $5.75 million against the salary cap through 2020-21.

The Flames acquired Hamilton from the Boston Bruins Friday for the 15th, 42nd and 57th picks in the NHL draft. He is coming off career highs in goals (10) and points (42). SHARKS NAB JONES: The San Jose Sharks found their starting goaltender for next season, acquiring Martin Jones in a trade from the Bruins on Tuesday.

The Sharks sent a 2016 first-round pick and unsigned forward prospect Sean Kuraly to the Bruins for Jones, four days after he had been dealt from San Jose’s biggest rival Los Angeles to Boston. NOTES: Drew Stafford is staying with the Winnipeg Jets, who signed the veteran winger to an $8.7 million, two-year contract . . . The Canucks traded the veteran defenceman Kevin Bieksa to the Anaheim Ducks for a 2016 second-round pick