Pittsburgh native Brandon Saad was hoping to become the area’s highest drafted player ever this year. Instead, Saad fell out of the first round and was the last of Pittsburgh’s three highly touted prospects to get the call. The 6’1″ winger was selected in the second round, 43rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks
Yesterday Saad participated in the Blackhawks rookie tournament and posted three goals in two games. Afterwards he talked to Adrian Fung of Hockey Independent about his experience and possible matchup against against the Penguins.
Saad is a power forward with great hands and an even better shot. I described Saad in the following way earlier this year when I wrote of draft possibilities for the Penguins at pick 23:
“Brandon Saad: Potentially a top-five pick entering the year, the Gibsonia native slipped down the draft board this season as he battled injury and inconsistency in the OHL. He is a hard-hitting, physical wing with a nasty snipe. Accuracy and quickness make his wrist shot one of the best in the draft. If not for concerns of his heart and streaky play, the Penguins wouldn’t even get the chance to consider him.”
The Blackhawks prospects will face Pittsburgh on Tuesday at the four team rookie tournament.