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Sammy Blais | LW
Pavel Buchnevich | LW
Jacob de la Rose | LW
Josh Leivo | LW
Mackenzie MacEachern | LW
Brandon Saad
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Winger
STRENGTHS
Dependable: Saad is a coach’s dream. He’s continually in the right place and doesn’t take unnecessary risks with the puck. As a result, he can play up and down the lineup with no issues whatsoever. He works hard, he works smart and he can be trusted in all phases of the game.
Puck Protection: With a solid 6’1”, 206-pound frame, Saad is adept at fending off defenders and maintaining possession down low. This affords his linemates more touches and opportunities to impact the outcome of the game. Saad isn’t the most physical winger in the world, but he doesn’t shy away from contact and is more than willing to absorb punishment in order to create a good look.
Finish: He’s converted at a solid clip throughout his career because he drives to scoring areas and puts pressure on the defense. While his touch in tight is quite good, he’s less of a marksman and more of a mucker who will clean up the garbage in front of the net.
WEAKNESSES
Tunnel Vision: His strong hockey sense on defense doesn’t always translate to the attack. Saad can lock in on a certain play and fail to detect better available options. As a result, he’s always been more of a complementary forward than a creative play-driver. That issue is mitigated when he’s paired with the right linemates.
Acceleration: Despite respectable top-end speed, Saad lacks the short-area burst to really break away from defenders and generate chances from the ensuing space. There’s no suddenness or elusiveness in his toolbox. He plays a steady-as-she-goes, straight-line game.
