Andrew Shaw Plans To Return – Next Season
It wasn’t a shock that Andrew Shaw’s name wasn’t on the Blackhawks’ postseason roster. He last appeared in a game for the Hawks in Denver against the Avs on Nov. 30; Shaw has been dealing with accumulated concussion symptoms.
On Monday, Shaw posted a message to Blackhawks fans on Instagram.
Shaw, who turns 29 on July 20, was the 139th overall selection by the Blackhawks in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. At the conclusion of the 2019-20 season he ranks 16th among all skaters from that draft in points (243), making him arguably the best value pick of Stan Bowman’s tenure as GM of the Hawks.
He has appeared in 72 postseason games in his career, 67 coming with the Blackhawks. Shaw was an important part of the 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championships.
Hope he doesn’t jeopardize his future, get better first, worry about playing secondary.
The problem going forward for Shaw is that he will have to learn to protect himself better which is entirely antithetical to what makes him effective in the first place. If, when he returns, he starts hurling himself into combat he won’t last. If he doesn’t, he is unlikely to be the impact player he once was. Rock and hard place for him, but I would hate to see him jeopardize his health any further. Tough call.
Shawzer is dangerous to other players/teams. How could Shawzer be moar dangerous then he has been. Laying back and nailing them when they least expect it because he is playing more middle/square/even most of the time now and then when they least expect it bang with authority.