Brandon Saad might've had no points during his Vegas Golden Knights tenure. However, a solid regular season of six goals and eight assists (29 games) was enough for Kelly McCrimmon to bring him back for another year.
One year and $2 million to play in Sin City sounds like a sweetheart deal. It's enough to earn you consideration for a spot in the middle of the lineup. Who knows? He might even earn a spot atop the first line with Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner if he's lucky.
But one year doesn't seem like much. You have one more chance to prove yourself or you're getting the boot by season's end. Now that doesn't seem fair, does it?
You did enough to provide a spark plug for the offense, yet you only got one year. It looks like you're competing for a future spot for years to come. Considering names like Trevor Connelly are coming up in a few years, you're likely on the chopping block.
So, let's map out a road where Saad plays another season or two. What can the 32-year-old do to earn another short-term deal to stay with the Golden Knights?
What Brandon Saad must do to stick around with the Golden Knights
One thing that stood out with Saad was his inability to finish. He was given some juicy opportunities to bury goals during the Stanley Cup playoffs, only to miss on said opportunities. If the former Chicago Blackhawks star wants to play another year in Las Vegas, that must improve.
He must also be better at making plays. That goes hand-in-hand with finishing since he struggled with getting opponents off his tail. If he can adjust and make slight modifications, that will earn him another deal.
The good news is that Saad has an incredible work ethic. He's the type of player who constantly gets involved in the play and gets down and dirty. That type of attitude is generally rewarded by Bruce Cassidy in his lineup, leading to greater things. That includes getting a bump in the lineup.
Saad has the ability to stay for a couple more years if he outperforms expectations
The good thing about players like Brandon Saad is that it's hard to find people with his work ethic. Constantly getting involved on both ends is a cherished ability that all 32 NHL teams seek. For McCrimmon and the boys, it's part of why Saad stuck around for another year.
It could also be why he can earn another contract with the Golden Knights. He still skates well and can defend without any problems. That can lead to better things for the winger, making him a franchise staple.
Of course, that's contingent on whether he outperforms expectations. If he can do that and stay on a team-friendly deal, that's great. If not, that's where McCrimmon and company will have no problem moving on.
Saad's got the whole world in his hands regarding his Las Vegas residency. I'm sure he wouldn't have it any other way.