Up against the cap once again this season – with cap overage playing a role – the Chicago Blackhawks might be looking to move Andrew Shaw. At least that seems to be the most realistic option, according to Mark Lazerus.
Lazerus reported that Shaw’s asking price is “at least $4.5 million” per year. With just over $6.3 million projected to be left on Chicago’s cap, signing the pending restricted free agent to a contract of that magnitude might not be as realistic as he hopes.
With that in mind, moving him might be a better option and his credentials speak for themselves.
Shaw a two-time champ, a proven playoff performer, a 20-goal scorer. He wants to be paid as such. Can't blame him. But Hawks can't do that.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 24, 2016
Shaw knows his role on the ice. He agitates and he plays an extremely physical game.
At just 24 years old, the Belleville, Ontario, native has recorded 137 points (70g-67a) in 322 regular season games. In the playoffs, he’s played 67 games and notched 16 goals and 35 points over five years with the Blackhawks.
To add to his offensive output, Shaw’s notched 595 hits over his regular season career – including 148 in 78 games last season. He averages 15 minutes per game over his career and always plays on the edge.
While he would be a major loss for a team that seems to constantly be working around the cap, his asking price is just far too much for the Blackhawks.