Though the Columbus Blue Jackets will likely miss the playoffs for the second year in a row, they certainly found a winner in Brandon Saad.
The 23-year-old matched his age with his 23rd goal of the season against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday to equal his career high, which was set a year ago with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Those haands pic.twitter.com/vmCswO1BGW
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 26, 2016
Saad was sent to Columbus as the centerpiece of a seven-player deal during the offseason, and the forward signed a six-year extension worth a reported $36 million just days later.
Though the American has had his ups and downs since leaving the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Saad has remained on a 30-goal pace and is certainly living up to expectations in his first season in Ohio.
| Month | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 4 | 1 | 5 | -4 |
| November | 5 | 6 | 11 | 3 |
| December | 5 | 6 | 11 | 1 |
| January | 5 | 3 | 8 | 1 |
| February | 4 | 0 | 4 | -6 |
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