Chicago's Saad traded to Columbus in seven-player deal

(Reuters) - The Chicago Blackhawks traded away forwards Brandon Saad, Alex Broadhurst and defenseman Michael Paliotta in a seven-player deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. The Blackhawks received forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp and a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Saad posted career bests in goals (23), assists (29) and points (52) last season as he finished as the team's third leading goal-scorer and fourth in points. The 22-year-old's contract was set to expire this week. The Anaheim Ducks were also involved in a trade on Tuesday when they acquired veteran defenseman Kevin Bieksa from the Vancouver Canucks. Anaheim sent their second-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft to Vancouver in exchange for the 34-year-old Bieksa, who played 597 games with the Canucks and acquired 59 goals, 185 points and 879 penalty minutes. (The story was refiled to correct the team in the headline from St. Louis to Columbus) (Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)