With Hossa out 2-3 weeks, the Hawks will start by giving Saad the chance to play with Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews. Saad has 18 goals and 23 assists (41 points) and a plus-27 rating already, but a spot on the top-line could help inflate those numbers even further.
Saad had some success on the top line last season and is worth keeping an eye on.
“I’m a born winger,” Saad said. He struggled in the faceoff circle going 9 for 38 in his two games at center, so he was back on the wing on Sunday. Saad likely will play on the third line, where he spent most of the playoffs. “He’s playing on your top two [lines], then all of a sudden if he plays on your third line, that line is a very dangerous line offensively,” Quenneville said.
It was not previously reported but Saad will also be out of the lineup tonight.
Saad can only be called back up with an emergency making him have no fantasy hockey impact on one-year leagues.
Saad skated on the fourth line, an indicator he may be scratched or demoted next game. He was held pointless over his first two games and could be sent back to Juniors following his ninth game.
Saad figures to start the season on the top line and could very well stay there if he produces. Once projected to go in the top 10, the 43rd overall pick of this year's draft is one of the biggest surprises of the preseason. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.
As noted yesterday, Saad earned a spot on the NHL roster. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. He could be a high-end sleeper.
Saad is certainly impressing his organization with some strong preseason play. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. If he makes the team, he could be a high-end sleeper.
Saad is certainly impressing his organization with some strong preseason play. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. If he makes the team, he could be a high-end sleeper.
Saad is certainly impressing his organization with some strong preseason play. Last season, the 18-year-old scored 27 goals and 55 points in 59 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. If he makes the team, he could be a high-end sleeper.
