If the Blues are out of playoff contention near the deadline, trading Faksa would normally be the correct move. But what are they getting back: a third-round pick? He’s still only 31 years old, and as a veteran player with a high work ethic, he might be someone the Blues want to bring back as their fourth-line center next season.

The St. Louis Blues and Brandon Saad have agreed to mutually terminate the remainder of his contract, which would make him a free agent and able to sign with any team in the NHL.

LAS VEGAS — Brandon Saad spent less than an hour as a free agent, joining the Vegas Golden Knights fresh off the St. Louis Blues terminating his previous contract. Saad signed a contract Friday for the remainder of the season that’s worth a prorated $1.5 million. It came together just after he cleared unconditional waivers.