Quoting: ChiHawk
Saad is a interesting winger that often fans don't understand how to value because players like him aren't just about points. He's a two way guy, has good breakaway speed, plays great defense, plays on the PK and PP, strong on the puck with good possession numbers, strong with takeways, and was on pace for 30 goals this season. To say he is not worth $6M is at worst debatable and at best wrong. As far as top 6 2 way wingers go, he's easily top 20 in the league and maybe even sneaking into top 10. Guys like him don't grow on trees. As player comparisons go, Saad is a mini Hossa or Kappanen is a mini Saad.
If Hawks are out of the playoffs, they attempt to trade him at the deadline. They may also extend him this fall which Stan has been known to do. The bigger consideration is when you start looking at the expansion draft next summer and I think it boils down to whether the Hawks plan to protect Nylander or Saad and that will depend on how both play going into the allstar break and subsequently who's available at the TDL potentially.
Saad had 1 down season in 17/18, but other then that has been a very good and consistent player. He will always be attached to Panarin and unfairly compared to him, but nonetheless, Saad is a very good player in his own right.
Seattle Protection List:
F: Toews, Kane, Debrincat, Strome, Nylander, Saad, Kampf/Cagulla
D: Kieth, Seabrook, Murphy
G: Crow
Exempt: Dach, Kubalik, Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudan, Carlson (all will have played in 2 seasons or fewer following the 2020-2021 season)
Am i missing something here? We shouldn't have to choose between protecting Saad or Nylander. We really shouldn't be losing much to Seattle. Their best options are dehaan/matta (whoever isn't traded this summer), kampf/Cagulla (whoever isn't protected), or Delia. Obviously trades will affect this, but as the roster sits right now we are in a good spot with the Seattle situation.