Chicago Blackhawks send 2011 top draft pick Brandon Saad to Ontario Hockey League -NHL News Update
Brandon Saad, Chicago Blackhawks 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Drafts 43rd overall pick during round-two, had become the only the second player since the 2003-2004 season to have played in a season opener with their team the same year,
but on Wednesday, October 12, was sent back to his minor league team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The Blackhawks management was impressed with the 18-year-old’s performing abilities but insisted that he must return to the juniors in order to improve his game even further.
Having played along young Chicago forward, Patrick Kane, the former first overall draft pick believes that Saad still has a long way to go and has the abilities to do so.
"He's done some impressive things so far", Kane told the Chicago Sun-Times prior to Wednesday's announcement. "He had a great preseason and played well in the intrasquad games. I think that as time goes a long in the regular season, things get a bit tougher
and I'm sure he'll realize that, but so far he hasn't made any mistakes".
Brandon Saad will now be playing with Saginaw Spirit in the OHL and is eligible to play in the NHL only when Blackhawks will require his presence.
Before playing his first two matchups in the NHL, Brandon Saad was optimistic about his chance in the major league but insisted that he would be happy with whatever unfolded in the end.
“You can’t worry about it too much”, Saad said before his first career game. “I’m here for a reason and just have to play my game, and the rest will fall into place, whatever they decide to do”.
Saad remained unable to pick up any points during his two matchup performance, a factor which could be ultimately regarded as the decision maker in not keeping him.
Having potted 55 points (27 goals, 28 assists) last season in 59 matchups with Saginaw Spirit, Brandon Saad will eventually be ready for the NHL and Chicago Blackhawks who are up for making their second Stanley Cup run in two years.
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