Saad: Colorado is a place I hope to play 'for a long time'

Brandon Saad has yet to suit up for his new team, but the forward hopes to remain with the Colorado Avalanche beyond the upcoming 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 and all that, 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, so really, it seems like a great place where I want to play for a long time."

The 28-year-old, who added he would like to finish his career in Colorado, was traded to the Avalanche in October. Since signing a six-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015, the forward has been dealt twice prior to the move to Colorado. He's set to be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.

Saad has been an effective player throughout his career, scoring 20-plus goals in five different seasons and winning two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks.

The forward is set to join a group that includes Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog, and Cale Makar.

"It's a beautiful city," Saad added. "I'm looking forward to getting the season going because we have a hell of a team out there in Denver."

Securing a long-term deal with the Avalanche after this season may prove difficult, as Landeskog and Makar will also be due for new contracts.