After racking up only 16 points in 43 games, Brandon Saad’s 2024-25 season has turned out to be his worst. Things got even worse for the forward when he parted ways with the St. Louis Blues after clearing unconditional waivers. While the decision was mutual, the forward had to sacrifice the remaining $5.425 million. Yet, interest in the veteran on a slump spiked shortly after he became a free agent.

Big names such as the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs immediately showed interest in the two-time Stanley Cup winner. Edmonton Oilers analyst Bob Stauffer dropped hints during an episode of Oilers Now, saying, “Well, now a lot of them want to come here, including the guy [Brandon Saad] that was waived today.” Meanwhile, NHL Insider Darren Dreger explained the Maple Leafs’ interest in Saad was ‘real’ on First Up. However, amid the buzz, Saad has ditched both teams.

Instead, Sportsnet confirmed just a few hours ago, that Brandon Saad has joined Edmonton Oilers rivals, the Vegas Golden Knights. The veteran NHL star has signed a far less lucrative $1.5 million contract than he had with the Blues. However, the duration is far shorter as well. “Brandon Saad has signed a one-year deal with the Golden Knights,” reported Sportsnet.

The hockey player opting for the Golden Knights was a surprise, as Vegas wasn’t among the front-runners who initially showed interest in Saad. The Oilers and Maple Leafs aside, the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils were reportedly interested in the left-winger. However, the 32-year-old probably made the final decision, as the rumors had indicated.

“It all depends on what the player wants,” Behind The Net Podcast host Michael Mazz had added when posting about the Maple Leafs wanting to sign Brandon Sad. Vegas ultimately scooped up the veteran NHL star. Maybe an experienced player is exactly what they need.

Can Brandon Saad revitalize the Vegas Golden Knights offense?

While Saad’s numbers this season aren’t something to write home about, he may bring the depth the Knights are looking for. After all, the team’s off-season acquisition Alexander Holtz has struggled to hit his stride. Holtz has only three goals and eleven points after playing 47 games. In fact, the Golden Knights relied on AHL call-ups Cal Burke and Raphael Lavoie in their last game.

However, Burke and Lavoie couldn’t save the day as the Knights succumbed to a 2-1 Overtime. Bruce Cassidy highlighted his team’s lack of “shot mentality” in their loss against the Blue Jackets. “There’s a little bit of that over-pass mentality,” added Coach Cassidy. The coach even admitted to instructing the players to take more shots during the intermission.

However, the Vegas Golden Knights were unable to break the habit. So, despite Saad’s own slump in form, the coach hopes the experience he brings to the team may change the Kinghts’ recent timidness in front of the net. After all, not many players in the NHL can boast of playing their 14th season on the ice. However, only time will tell if signing the veteran hockey star was the right move for the Knights.