After shoring up the NHL’s worst defense with two veteran acquisitions in the last several days, Stan Bowman turned his attention to the forward picture over the last 48–72 hours. Rumors were flying about left wings Anders Lee and Ryan Dzingel, two unrestricted free agents whose price tags may be too rich for the Hawks’ blood at this point—or who simply cannot be persuaded to join a non-playoff team at any price.
Instead, Bowman stepped into the now all-too-familiar “Bring Back” Machine and emerged with the little ball of hate known as Andrew Shaw. The price? The Montreal Canadiens receive a 2020 second round pick, a 2020 seventh round pick, a 2021 third rounder and the Hawks get Montreal’s 2021 seventh round pick.
We can debate until the cows come home whether the Hawks overpaid here. Most of our contributors at The-Rink, sort of like a Supreme Court majority opinion, do not care for the deal (one, in particular—think little guy with flowing beard and goalie stick—hates it). I suppose I am writing for the minority. I do not hate the deal; I do not love it. For me, it all comes down to context.
Is Shaw overpaid?
Depends on how you look at it. Artem Anisimov currently draws a $4.5 million annual salary from the Hawks, and I think you can make an argument that Shaw, at $3.9 million per, is a better value. Why bring Anisimov into it? Because I keep hearing, as do others, he is “out of it,” as in playing elsewhere (I’ve heard possibly Florida) soon after tomorrow or Tuesday. Is it guaranteed? No, but after the Hawks pay a significant roster bonus owed to Anisimov, he suddenly becomes more appealing to another team. He is definitely being shopped hard, and who knows, maybe the Hawks recoup a pick or two in that deal.
Does Shaw bring anything to the table?
He can play all three forward positions. And all situations, five-on-five, penalty kill and power play. He can be spotted anywhere from the second line to his more appropriate third or fourth line. Last year, he scored 19 goals and 28 assists in 63 games and was +17.
What’s the downside?
Shaw gonna Shaw. He takes dumb penalties at times and can be a bit of a distraction. I do not think this move will placate those who believe “the game has changed” to the point where it is more akin to the Ice Follies, but Shaw checks an important box: he brings nastiness and that elusive quality (for the Hawks of the last few seasons) of being tough to play against. But, he is going to kill you some nights with a bonehead move (think: Mike Smith, 2012 playoffs, first round).
It’s all about context
Shaw’s the kind of player you go out and get if you are looking for a little extra toughness and versatility—a complementary piece. So, if Bowman is “finished” for the summer (in terms of meaningful moves) with this acquisition, then it does not make as much sense. If he has another rabbit or two to pull from his hat, and the Hawks really do become a legitimate potential playoff team, then the addition makes some more sense.
All we have for now. Please comment below.