Chicago Blackhawks: How Long Can Brandon Saad Stick Around?

The Chicago Blackhawks trimmed their training camp roster before Friday night's game with Washington, sending 11 players to Rockford for the start of the IceHogs' camp on Sunday. That afternoon, the Blackhawks will be in Detroit with players still looking to make the team opening night.

Brandon Saad is one of those players.

The Blackhawks' second round pick in this summer's draft is quickly creating a buzz among fans after a strong performance Friday, including the game winner in the 3-2 win over the Capitals. It looks like Saad will have at least one more chance to impress the organization.

I've written Saad off to Saginaw, his junior club, twice in the last few days. I figured the 'Hawks, who let Saad skate in his hometown Thurday in Pittsburgh, would have seen enough to know they got a gift that fell into the second round and let him play another season in the OHL.

A goal and an assist later in front of the home crowd, and the situation has changed a bit.

I still believe it's in both parties' best interest to have him play juniors this season, but his strong camp thus far merits discussion of Chicago's plans for this 18-year-old winger. He's lasted longer in camp than I believed he would, and coach Joel Quenneville, while not being over-committal at the post-game press conference, seems impressed in Saad's play.

Based on skating ability alone, Saad seems to be a fit. He'll probably get bigger, but at 6'1" and 203 pounds, he has the size to handle the pro game.

He found Viktor Stalberg for the first of his two goals. Saad, who played with Stalberg and Jonathan Toews through most of the third period, took a pass from Toews and drove hard to the net to register the deciding goal of the contest.

Saad stood out in the rookie tournament and turned in a big performance Friday. That earned him time on the ice Sunday. WIll another big game earn him a contract?

I still am of the belief that Saad will wind up in Saginaw in the next week. In order for Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman to sign him to an entry contract and put him on the opening day roster, they would have to be absolutely sure of Saad's readiness. If they don't believe Saad can handle a full season of big minutes with the team, it would be a foolish move to sign him to his entry contract.

The AHL is not an option for Saad until he turns 20. It would be the NHL or nothing. Saad would have to spend all season up in Chicago.

Skating limited minutes or being scratched regularly would hinder his progress and burn a year of his contract. This is why I think that ultimately Saad is much better off skating another year in the OHL.

Still, he does show a lot of promise and could be in an Indian head sweater in the nearer future.

Maybe that future is coming sooner that we think.