The New York Islanders secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, marking their eighth win in nine games. Brock Nelson scored the decisive goal in the third period while Ilya Sorokin made 34 saves, further establishing himself as a key player for the Islanders. The win improves the Islanders' record to 11-3-0 since January 5, and Nelson, netting his 16th goal, was supported by assists from Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo.

Bo Horvat also contributed with a goal in the first period, his 19th of the season. Despite a solid performance, the Golden Knights struggled, with Brandon Saad managing to score but ultimately falling short. The loss extends Vegas's losing streak to four games, now 12-11-3 on the road.

Brandon Saad has signed a contract with the Vegas Golden Knights after the St. Louis Blues mutually terminated his contract, allowing him to remain in the NHL. The deal is for the remainder of the season and is valued at a prorated $1.5 million, coming immediately after he cleared waivers. Saad, who has struggled offensively this season with only 16 points in 43 games, was facing a demotion to the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds before the termination.

At 32, this two-time Stanley Cup champion has opted to join the Golden Knights, a team vying for the top of the standings. His departure from St. Louis leaves the Blues in a tougher spot as they continue their fight for a playoff position.

Brandon Saad's brief stint as a free agent ended rapidly as he signed with the Vegas Golden Knights after the St. Louis Blues mutually terminated his contract. The 32-year-old forward, who has had a challenging season with just 16 points in 43 games, signed a prorated contract worth $1.5 million for the remainder of the season shortly after clearing waivers. By opting to terminate his contract, Saad forfeited nearly $5.4 million left on his deal, allowing him to stay in the NHL rather than being assigned to the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds.

Joining the Golden Knights offers Saad a chance to play for a playoff contender. His previous performance this season was disappointing, with 40 games without a goal, but his experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion may provide valuable depth for Vegas as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Brandon Saad and the St. Louis Blues have mutually agreed to terminate his contract after he cleared unconditional waivers on Friday. This decision allows Saad to pursue opportunities with other NHL teams while walking away from approximately $5.4 million remaining on his contract. GM Doug Armstrong had previously considered Saad as trade bait due to his underwhelming performance this season, contributing 16 points in 43 games.

Among the interested teams are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars. Saad's history with the Columbus Blue Jackets could lead to a reunion, given their playoff aspirations and generous cap space. The Colorado Avalanche, needing depth after recent injuries, also represent a potential destination for Saad, especially if he can be signed for a lower cap hit. The Boston Bruins, struggling with scoring, may see value in Saad, despite his less than stellar output this season.

Ultimately, Saad's decision to opt for free agency opens multiple pathways for his career, as he can now negotiate with any team that sees him as a valuable asset.