Saad Place Saad Station

Sept 23, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (43) is defended by Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green (52) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight season Brandon Saad will be on the opening day roster having made the Chicago Blackhawks team that will travel to play the Los Angelos Kings on Saturday.  Coach Quenneville has not announced if Saad will be on the ice Saturday or just observing from the seats.

Saad was thought by most experts as a 50/50 shot to make the team as recently as a week ago, but he had a great last week in Rockford before getting called up to training camp this week.  Saad along with Brandon Bollig were the last two Hawks to make the team.

Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Pirri, and Ryan Stanton all were set back to Rockford and their Icehogs jerseys.  It’s kind of disappointing that Hayes, game has digressed and will not be the big body in front of the net that many had envisioned.

The roster is set now for opening day, but it is almost….no it is very worrisome that Coach Q wasn’t able to announce the starting goalie for Saturday! You want him to announce with conviction Corey Crawford as the starting goalie, not be delaying the announcement to the day before the game.

The second question is whether Saad is here to stay or just for a cup of coffee like last year when he only played two games before getting sent down to junior hockey.  Saad has the seal of approval from GM Bowman so it has to be assumed that he will at least be given a legitimate shot to get regular playing time this season before a final decision about his jersey for the rest of the season is decided.

What do you think? Is Saad here to stay or just will he be back in Rockford sooner than later?

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