Jarmo Kekalainen said he wasn't looking to trade Brandon Saad, but that won't stop some from speculating that Saad was trying to find a way out of Columbus.
Without knowing facts, such statements are premature at best. Saad signed a six-year contract with the Blue Jackets and was in it for the long haul, but despite his best efforts, he never seemed to be the best fit with this edition of the club -- and that's okay. It happens.
He's a tremendous 5-on-5 player, one of the best in NHL, and Kekalainen knows that. But what he was looking for was a player who has 1-on-1 ability and can impact a game in the blink of an eye; Panarin-for-Saad was the right deal for both clubs, and it doesn't have to mean that one or the other was unhappy or trying to force his way out.
Kekalainen did not comment directly when asked if Saad's fit or comfort level in Columbus played a role in the deal.
"I can’t speak for his behalf – you’ll have to ask him," Kekalainen said of Saad. "He was a good solider for us, a good professional. He handled himself well in that regard. He put up good numbers for us and was an especially good 5-on-5 player, which we’ll miss.
"He’s a great pro. Always in great shape, well-prepared. We appreciate everything he did and we wish him the best of luck. This is the business we live in. Chicago felt the need for change…we needed some offensive production and a sniper. Both teams benefit from a trade like this."
Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella was a fan of Saad's, but occasionally expressed frustration that Saad couldn't find another level in his game -- but again, that doesn't mean Columbus was looking to offload him. Sometimes, a deal works for both teams (see: Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones) and there's nothing more to it.
That won't drive many clicks or get extra eyeballs, though.
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