July 01--Count Brandon Saad among those shocked by the stunning trade that sent the winger from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
After negotiations on a new contract between the Hawks and Saad's agent broke down, the Pittsburgh native was sent to the Jackets in a seven-player trade Tuesday.
"I was a little shocked," Saad said Wednesday. "It's my first time going through the process. At the same time, it's a business. Things are going to happen and most guys don't play their entire career in the same place. I'm excited to get going in Columbus."
In addition to Saad, who helped the Hawks capture Stanley Cups in 2013 and '15, forward Alex Broadhurst and defenseman Michael Paliotta were shipped to the Blue Jackets for forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp and a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Saad said he heard from a few of his former Hawks teammates following the trade.
"They were pretty much just wishing me the best of luck," Saad said. "You develop relationships but at the same time I'm excited about Columbus and the relationships I'll make there."
As a restricted free agent, Saad has yet to sign a new contract with the Jackets, though the sides are talking.
"My agent (Lewis Gross) is taking care of that side of the business and I'm waiting to hear from him," Saad said.
Meanwhile, Anisimov, a center whom general manager Stan Bowman said he'd be trying to acquire for quite some time, reportedly will sign a five-year extension with the Hawks that will carry a $4.55 million cap hit and kick in at the start of the 2016-17 season.
