CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Saad will be able to add one more bullet point to his résumé when he goes to negotiate a new contract after the season.

Saad became a 20-goal scorer for the first time in his career Monday. He just missed that special number last season finishing with 19 goals in 78 games. He notched No. 20 in his 64th game this season.

The 22-year-old Saad didn’t downplay the significance of the number afterward.

“That means it’s big,” Saad said. “It’s a milestone to get there. It felt good for sure. Just want to continue to progress.”

Saad’s career has mostly been a progression over the last three seasons. He came in a rookie and was a contributor in his first season in 2013. He upped his play in his second season and took on a larger role. He’s taken another step this season and has consistently produced. He's third on the team in goals and fourth with 43 points.

As nice as 20 goals sounds, Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews expects much more from Saad in the future.

“That’s great for him,” Toews said. “I think he knows he’s the type of player who is capable of 30 and even more. But that’s the first step in his career to get to that level. He’s meant a lot for our team so far this year.”

Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp said nearly the exact same thing last month.

“It’s a big number, that’s for sure,” Sharp said in February. “Saader hasn’t hit it yet in his young career. I think he had 19 last year. I know he wants to get that number. I think in his future he’s going to have a lot more than 20 a year.

“I know the first time I scored 20 was a huge celebration for myself. It was kind of a milestone. For some reason, it’s a round number that makes you feel like you can score goals in the NHL. We all know that Saader can do that.”

Saad has drawn positive reviews often from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville this season, and that continued to be the case after the Blackhawks’ 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. Quenneville moved Saad to the right wing on the second line. It’s where Patrick Kane often plays.

“I liked his game,” Quenneville said. “I think he can add a little more balance to our lineup in Kaner’s absence, or on that line. ... He gives us some more options and him on the right side gives us some speed as well.”

Now that Saad has reached 20 goals, he does want more.

“I think the past couple games when you’re close, it’s something in the back of your mind,” Saad said. “You just look at it as another goal and keep them coming.”