|
Habs sign Andrew Shaw 6 yr deal worth $3.9 million AAV & RFA's Qualified |
|
|
|
|
|
As expected, the Montreal Canadiens have signed newly acquired forward Andrew Shaw to a 6 year contract worth an annual average of $3.9 million USD. Reaction has been mixed to the contract with some complaining about the dollar amount while others are upset about the term. However, it is important to note that Shaw does not have any ‘No movement/trade clauses’. The contract is apparently loaded up in the first few years which would make Shaw easier to move at the end of the contract if so desired.
Shaw is a versatile top 9 forward who can play center or wing. He is also a right handed shot, something that the Canadiens were lacking. The intangibles that he brings on and off the ice certainly got him more than his statistics would suggest. His presence in front of the net will be a welcome addition on the 2nd unit powerplay as 8 of his points came with the man advantage last season. The Canadiens were lacking in team toughness last year and this is where Shaw will up the level immensely. He may be 5’11” but he plays big and will compete hard night in and out. Many in Chicago are going to miss Shaw which says a lot about his character:
Scotty Bowman says that Montreal fans are going to love Shaw, his word is good enough for me:
If you don’t speak French, note that Bowman called Shaw a “dynamic player who will give his body and soul to the team”. He also had very complimentary things to say about the Canadiens 1st round draft pick Mikhail Sergachev as Bowman believes that the young man could be NHL ready in as little as a year.
It is not the greatest contract that Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has signed a player to, but neither is it the worst. It is likely fair market value, especially when one factors in Quebec’s high taxes and the lack of any movement/trade clauses. The contract also does not handcuff the Canadiens, there is still room to add another key piece (not named Stamkos):
Shaw is only turning 25 this Summer and so the Canadiens are getting him in his absolute prime. With two Stanley Cup rings, Shaw knows and understands what it takes to win. He manages to even further elevate his game in the playoffs. Last year the Canadiens did not have one single player that had won a cup. That type of experience is invaluable, especially for the Canadiens young leadership core. The question should not be if one is happy with the contract. Rather, one must ask if the Canadiens are a better team today with Shaw on the roster? The answer to that is a resounding yes.
June 27th was also the deadline to qualify restricted free agents. Having Shaw now signed and already taken care of business with the Sven Andrighetto and Mark Barberio one way NHL contracts and Joel Hanley to a two way deal, Bergevin only decided to further qualify forwards Daniel Carr and Phillip Danault. That means that Darren Dietz, Morgan Ellis, Michael Bournival, Lucas Lessio and Mac Bennett will become unrestricted free agents on July 1st. Sadly, Bournival’s career has been marred by injuries and concussions over the last couple of seasons. It is somewhat surprising that Dietz and Ellis were not qualified as the St. John’s Ice Caps need the depth on defence and they were among their best last season. I thought Lessio demonstrated some presence during his short time with the Canadiens bringing speed and physicality to the fourth line. It is possible though not likely that the Canadiens sign one or more of these players after July 1st to less than what they were making beforehand.
Cheers & follow along!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»