Brandon Saad’s signing is hinted to by an Edmonton Oilers analyst amid a potential $5 million sacrifice for the Maple Leafs.

The Edmonton Oilers have long been a team with championship aspirations, a roster that includes two of the most dynamic and skilled players in the NHL in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Despite their offensive prowess, the Oilers have faced challenges in building a well-rounded roster that can carry them all the way to a Stanley Cup. In recent years, general manager Ken Holland has worked to address the team’s weaknesses, particularly on defense and depth scoring. With the team’s financial flexibility constantly in flux, another key challenge for the Oilers is how to effectively utilize their available cap space while pursuing another championship.

In the most recent rumors surrounding the Oilers’ offseason plans, an intriguing possibility has emerged—Brandon Saad, a proven veteran forward, could be making his way to Edmonton. This potential move has been hinted at by an Oilers analyst, with reports suggesting that the Oilers might be looking to add a player like Saad to bolster their forward group. However, the possibility of this signing comes with some complicated financial maneuvering. Reports indicate that this move could require a significant sacrifice on the part of another team, specifically the Toronto Maple Leafs, to free up the necessary salary cap space.

With the situation developing rapidly, let’s break down what a potential Brandon Saad signing could mean for the Edmonton Oilers, how the salary cap could impact this move, and what the Toronto Maple Leafs’ potential sacrifice might look like.

Brandon Saad’s Career and Impact on the Ice

Before we dive into the potential salary cap complexities, let’s first consider the player who may be coming to Edmonton: Brandon Saad.

The 31-year-old winger has established himself as a consistent and reliable top-six forward throughout his NHL career. With a career that includes stints with teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and St. Louis Blues, Saad has consistently delivered in all situations, including five-on-five play, on the power play, and in penalty-killing roles. He has a strong two-way game and is known for his ability to contribute offensively in key moments.

Throughout his career, Saad has accumulated over 200 goals and 200 assists, a testament to his ability to consistently produce in a top-six role. His physicality and ability to drive to the net make him a valuable asset to any team, but what stands out most about Saad is his versatility. He is capable of playing both wings, adding depth and flexibility to a lineup, and is known for his hockey IQ and experience in high-pressure situations.

Saad has also proven to be a reliable postseason performer, with multiple deep playoff runs under his belt, including three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, 2015, and 2020. His experience in the postseason is invaluable for a team like the Oilers, who are looking to get over the hump and capture the elusive Stanley Cup with their superstar duo.

On the ice, Saad’s combination of size, speed, and offensive ability could help balance out the Oilers’ forward group. While McDavid and Draisaitl lead the charge offensively, Saad could provide another scoring threat, bringing a solid two-way game to complement the offensive firepower already present. He’s also a player who can play alongside top players like McDavid or Draisaitl but also has the versatility to slide down into a secondary role if needed, providing the depth scoring that has often been a challenge for the Oilers.

The Salary Cap Challenge and Toronto’s $5 Million Sacrifice

While the addition of a player like Brandon Saad would certainly improve the Oilers’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup, the situation is not without its complexities. As is often the case with the NHL’s salary cap structure, the Oilers’ ability to make this signing hinges on their financial flexibility and available cap space. With McDavid and Draisaitl on large contracts, Edmonton does not have unlimited flexibility in terms of cap room, making it difficult to add significant pieces without shedding salary elsewhere.

This is where the potential involvement of the Toronto Maple Leafs comes into play.

The Maple Leafs, much like the Oilers, are a team with championship aspirations. However, Toronto is facing a similar challenge with its own salary cap situation. With high-profile players like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner occupying significant cap space, the Leafs will need to make difficult decisions to keep their roster balanced and competitive.

According to some reports, the Maple Leafs may be facing the prospect of sacrificing $5 million in cap space to make room for a potential addition to their roster or to accommodate existing contracts. This scenario opens the door for a possible salary dump or trade involving a player whose cap hit might be problematic for Toronto. This move could create an opportunity for the Oilers to sign a player like Saad, especially if Toronto is forced to move a player or retain salary in order to alleviate their cap situation.

If the Oilers are able to maneuver within their cap space and take advantage of Toronto’s potential need to free up room, they could acquire Saad for a relatively low cost compared to what his actual market value might be. While the details of this potential sacrifice are still unclear, it’s possible that Toronto might need to move out a player with a significant contract or retain salary on a trade in order to facilitate their own plans.

The Financial Impact on the Oilers

For the Oilers, adding a player like Saad would be a considerable move to improve their roster, but it would require careful planning and financial management. The Oilers currently have around $2 million in cap space (as of 2024), which is not enough to sign a player like Saad without making some room on the roster. The good news for Edmonton is that Saad would likely be willing to sign for a moderate salary given his track record and desire to play for a contender like the Oilers.

In this scenario, the Oilers would need to shed some salary to make the deal work. This could come in the form of trading away a player with a higher cap hit or moving players to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) if necessary. The team could look to move a player like Mattias Janmark or Darnell Nurse, who has a cap hit of over $5 million, in order to create room. Alternatively, Edmonton could look at players who are on expiring contracts or who don’t fit into the team’s immediate plans.

By creating cap space, Edmonton could afford to sign Saad, adding a player with proven playoff experience and depth scoring to their already potent forward group. Given the Oilers’ championship window with McDavid and Draisaitl, adding another experienced player who can contribute at a high level would be a key move to put them over the top.

Toronto’s Role in Freeing Up Cap Space

What about the Maple Leafs and their role in this potential scenario? As noted, Toronto is facing its own cap issues and could be looking to free up room for a variety of reasons. The Leafs’ roster is filled with star power, but their financial flexibility is limited, and they are constantly looking for ways to balance their books while remaining competitive.

It’s possible that the Leafs could be forced to part ways with a player who is either underperforming, overpaid, or no longer fits into their plans. Toronto might be in a position where they need to offload a contract or trade a high-paid player to give them the room to make a significant move. In this case, the Oilers could benefit from this situation, as a trade involving Toronto’s sacrifices could open up the opportunity to sign a player like Saad without having to pay the full market price.

If Toronto is forced to retain salary in a trade or buy out a player, it could help the Oilers in their pursuit of improving the roster. While the details are still speculative, it’s clear that the possibility of a move between Edmonton and Toronto could have ripple effects, including the signing of an important piece like Saad.

A Strategic Move for the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have long been on the lookout for ways to improve their roster and put themselves in the best position to win the Stanley Cup. Adding a player like Brandon Saad, a veteran with proven experience and a strong two-way game, would be a significant step in strengthening their forward depth.

However, this potential signing would require careful salary cap maneuvering, and reports indicate that it could involve some sacrifice on the part of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Whether through a trade or salary retention, Toronto’s financial challenges could provide an opportunity for Edmonton to bring in Saad at a reasonable price.

Ultimately, the Oilers’ ability to make this move hinges on a combination of financial flexibility, smart roster management, and an understanding of the broader NHL landscape. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, and the addition of a veteran forward like Saad, the Oilers would be even better positioned to make a deep playoff run and finally capture the Stanley Cup. If everything falls into place, this could be the move that puts Edmonton over the top.