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Saad ‘a bit shocked’ by trade, but ‘looking forward’ to joining Jackets

Brandon Saad

Chicago Blackhawks’ Brandon Saad celebrates after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series on Monday, June 15, 2015, in Chicago. The Blackhawks defeated the Lightning 2-0 to win the series 4-2. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AP

You know how everyone was shocked when Chicago traded Brandon Saad to Columbus yesterday?

That includes Brandon Saad.

“I was a little bit shocked and obviously a little sad to go,” the 22-year-old winger said today, per the Blue Jackets. “You build relationships, bond with guys and have experiences with them. But at the end of the day, you understand the business part of it, and I’m looking forward to a new opportunity and I’m excited to move on and start a new chapter in my career.”

Saad has yet to sign a deal with Columbus, but that’s where he’ll be next season. The Blue Jackets are vowing to match any offer sheets.

“They’re a young, confident group with a lot of skill and I know from playing them in the past they’re a tough team to play against,” Saad said of his new team. “They’re headed in the right direction and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

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