Saad was traded to the Avalanche from the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 10. The 28-year-old forward who won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015, is in the final season of a six-year contract he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 3, 2015. He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Saad scored 33 points (21 goals, 12 assists) in 58 games last season.
"We haven't had any discussions, I think it's a bit early, especially with not really knowing what's going on with the season, but for me, thinking about it, Colorado has always been in my top because I want to win again," Saad said on the latest episode of the NHL @TheRink podcast. "So to be in a great spot like that, on a great team, and then you hear wonders about the city, really, it seems like a great place that I want to play a long time. I think it's just a feeling-out process, making sure I'm in love with it, and obviously they have to want me for a long period of time. But that's definitely somewhere I could see myself playing out my career."
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also joined the show to discuss the recent Board of Governors meeting.
Saad, who lives in Pittsburgh during the offseason, said he recently visited Denver to look at properties and neighborhoods, visit the Avalanche's practice rink and even work in some hiking to experience the mountain views.
"It's a beautiful city," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting the season going because we have a heck**
