Brandon Saad to Saginaw?

Rumors on the 92 Hockey Message Board has 92 forward Brandon Saad heading to the Saginaw Spirit. On the message board it says he has turned down a spot on the National Team Development Program Under 17.

I can't say I believe this report but the Spirit are making a push for him. He was the tenth overall selection in this year's draft. Saad is a 6'1, 185lbs, forward who was apart of the Pittsburgh Hornets Major Midget team (MWEHL) last season. He had 11 goals and 19 assists in 26 contests.

I highly doubt the Spirit would use a high pick on a player that might not report. So they must of gotten reassurance that he would report. At the same time it makes me wonder why the Erie Otters didn't select him? I think its because they had a few picks last year that didn't show up.

If this report is true, its another loss for USA Hockey.

That same message board is also reporting that defenseman Stephen Johns will report to the National Team Development Program. He also was apart of the Pittsburgh Hornets Major Midget team. He had four goals and seven assists in 26 contests. Earlier this summer, he said he wasn't going to show up in Windsor. He was a third round selection the 2008 Draft,

It's a good move to go to the NTDP this season. The Spitfires have no room for him this season. My believe is they much rather have Cam Fowler in this season then Johns. The best interest for both parties is to have Johns develop with the NTDP this season. If Johns decides to go to the OHL route in a year or two, the Spitfires will welcome him with open arms.

The Michigan Junior Hockey Blog is doing some nice work on NAHL News.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)