PITTSBURGHBrandon Saad stood on the CONSOL Energy Center podium amid cheers from the hometown fans. The Blackhawks second-round selection from a summer ago, Saad announced the teams first-round pick this year as the applause for him grew.
It was a great moment for the Pittsburgh native who, in a year, went from a second-round pick to making the Blackhawks roster out of training camp to being called up for postseason games. And as Saad goes through his summer workouts, hes looking to make the Blackhawks roster againand stick around longer.
That was a goal last year, even though it was more lofty. And now, definitely the goal is to make the team, said Saad, who will be attending the Blackhawks prospect camp later this summer.
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But it was training camp last fall where Saad surprised everyone. Coach Joel Quenneville liked what he saw, and Saad kept earning preseason games. It paid off, as he started the season with the Blackhawks against the Dallas Stars before returning to the Saginaw Spirit. Saad tallied 34 goals and 76 points and earned the Spirits MVP award. And his work there got him recalled by the Blackhawks for two playoff games against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Quenneville said Saads potential should continue to grow.
He had a good start, and he showed at the end of the year that he was capable of playing in a playoff game. It looked like he was comfortable and ready to take off. I was talking to several people in the junior leagues; he had a dynamic year (with Saginaw) where he was arguably the top guy in the league. It looked like he progressed in size, strength and in hockey. His upside is exciting.
Saad said hes working on getting stronger and faster this offseason. Hes determined to get back and stick with the Blackhawks this season. Its been a heck of a year for the Pittsburgh native. Hes looking to continue the dream.
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To be honest, it feels like yesterday I was getting drafted, he said. It was a huge year for me. It was awesome, to be honest, the experiences I got to go through.