Colorado trades Zadorov in deal that nets Chicago forward Saad
The Avalanche acquired forward Brandon Saad and defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday in exchange for defensemen Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm, the team announced.
The trade was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who said the Blackhawks will retain $ 1 million of Saad’s $ 6 million contract for 2020- 21. Saad can be an unrestricted free agent after next season, so he could become just a yearlong “rental” for the Avs.
Saad, who turns 28 this month, has reached 20 goals in five seasons, including the last two with Chicago. He won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015 before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 30, 2015.
Saad had a career- high 31 goals and was selected to the NHL AllStar Game in 2015- 16. He was reacquired by the Blackhawks on June 23, 2017.
Gilbert, 23, split his time last season with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. Gilbert played three years at Notre Dame before turning pro in 2018.
“In Brandon we are acquiring a two- time Stanley Cup champion who brings veteran leadership and experience to our team. He is a proven goal scorer and at age 27, is in the prime of his career,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said in a release. “We are also adding a sturdy, young defenseman in Dennis who plays a physical game and will help our depth on the blue line.
“We thank Nikita and Anton for their time with the Avalanche and wish them the best of luck moving forward.”
Zadorov, 25, played 64 regularseason games and all 15 playoff games with the Avalanche. At times a fierce hitter, he likely wore out his welcome in Colorado because of his inconsistent play — he was a healthy scratch three times and benched late in games a number of times last season.
Zadorov agreed to a $ 3.2 million one- year contract with the Blackhawks on Saturday — the same deal he signed a year earlier with the Avs.
Lindholm, 25, mostly played for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last season.
The 66- game NHL player from Sweden gets a fresh start with a new team.
Acquiring Saad might end the Avalanche’s desire to sign freeagent forward Taylor Hall, 28, in free agency. Saad and Hall are similar left- shooting forwards.