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Brandon Saad ready for change in Columbus

Brandon Saad ready for change in Columbus

Brandon Saad said he was shocked, but understood it’s a business.

Saad knew the Chicago Blackhawks would see changes to their roster after a third Stanley Cup in six seasons. He knew the team’s cap issues would force trades. He understood players don’t play with one team their entire careers anymore. Still, it’s was first time being traded. Just two weeks ago he was celebrating another championship. Now he’s a Columbus Blue Jacket.

“It’s definitely going to be a change,” Saad said Wednesday morning. “At the same time, I’ve watched Columbus in the past and they’ve had some tight playoff series where they’ve played really well."

The threat of an offer sheet coupled with Chicago’s cap issues forced Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman to make the move. The Blue Jackets are in the midst of working out a contract for Saad, but at the moment, he’s still a restricted free agent and subject to an offer sheet should a team approach his camp with a tempting offer.

Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said on a Tuesday conference call that the team will match any offer sheet.

“My agent is taking care of that side of the business and I’m waiting to hear from him," Saad said.

In three full seasons in Chicago, Saad scored 52 goals, recorded 126 points and won a pair of Cups. He became an integral part of the team and produced come playoff tie, chipping in 16 points last postseason and 11 this past spring. Since Tuesday’s deal, he said he heard from a number of now-former teammates.

"They were pretty much just wishing me the best of luck," Saad said. "You develop relationships but at the same time I’m excited about Columbus and the relationships I’ll make there."

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy

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