Jackets trade Saad

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In an interesting move, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Brandon Saad and Anton Forsberg to the Chicago Blackhawks for Artemi Peranin, Tyler Motte and a sixth round draft pick today. Saad started his career in the 2011-2012 season with the Chicago Blackhawks and was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015-2016 season. Over four years with the Blackhawks Saad scored 52 goals, 74 assists and 126 points. Saad leaves Columbus with a two year 55 goal, 51 assist, 106

Btrandon Saad relaxes in between whistles against Florida in their game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.Columbus, Ohio. Brent Clark/Pro Hockey News

point record. Netminder Anton Forsberg played 10 games, 1 win, 8 losses, and a 4.02 GAA.

Paranin comes into Columbus after two seasons with Chicago with 61 goals, 90 assists, 151 points. The Russian born left winger played nine years in the KHL for teams such as Chekhov Vityaz, Kazan AK-Bars, and St. Petersburg SKA. While with St. Petersburg he helped his team win the Gagarin Cup, the KHL Championship. As a member of Team Russia at the IHFF World Championships, he helped his team win the bronze medal in 2016 and 2017. At this years World Championships he led the tournament in scoring with 4 goals, 13 assists and 17 points. Paranin was drafted by Chicago in the 2015-2016 season. With 30 goals, 47 assists, and 77 points, he won the Calder Trophy.

Motte comes to the Jackets with 33 games 4 goals, 3 assists, and seven points in his rookie season with the Blackhawks. As a product of the Michigan Wolverine program, he played three seasons before being picked up by the Blackhawks scoring 50-55-105 between 2013-2016. His best year was 2015-2016 while scoring a career high of 32-24-56 and being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

“Artemi Panarin was the best rookie in the NHL two years ago, a second team All-Star this past season and is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NHL,” said Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “There is a cost to adding a player like Artemi, as well as a very good NHL prospect in Tyler Motte, but we believe this is a very good move for our team. We wish Brandon and Anton well and thank them for their contributions to our organization.”