Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw will retire from the NHL citing multiple concussion issues.
The 29-year-old from Belleville, Ontario announced his retirement Monday after 10 NHL seasons. Shaw played 14 games with the Blackhawks this season before suffering another concussion on February 9 against the Dallas Stars. He has two goals and four points in 14 games this season, his second tour in the Windy City.
Even though he has recovered from the concussion, given the potential long-term consequences of repetitive concussions, the Blackhawks training staff advised him to discontinue his career as a professional hockey player.
“Thank you for giving a Mutt a home.”
A message from Andrew Shaw (@shawz15er). #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/XAN3L6jv27
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 26, 2021
Andrew Shaw To Retire Due to Concussion Issues
“There comes a time when every athlete needs to realize when their health is a priority and a future with their family is what is most important,” Shaw said in a statement on Monday.
“That point for me is now. After several concussions, doctors have strongly recommended I stop playing the game that I love. For once in my life, I am going to listen.
Over his 10 year NHL career, Shaw has 116 goals and 247 points in 544 career games with the Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens. He is still signed through next season at a cap hit of $3.9 million.
“I will miss the locker room and my teammates from both Chicago and Montreal. I hope they will miss me too,” said Shaw in the release.
Shaw made himself known most from being a part of the Blackhawks cup winning teams in 2013 and 2015.
“No two moments sum up Andrew Shaw more than his famous ‘headbutt no-goal’ and his game-winning goal in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2013 that ricocheted off his shinpads,” said Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman.
“Andrew played an integral role on two Stanley Cup Championship teams with the Blackhawks and grew into a leader in the latter part of his career. He kept the locker room on their toes but had the ability to keep his teammates relaxed and ready with his lively personality.”
Shaw is the seventh member of the Cup-winning Blackhawks teams to retire at a younger-than-expected age. Corey Crawford, Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, Bryan Bickell and Marian Hossa have all hung up their skates since winning.
All of them, including Shaw, were forced or chose to retire earlier than they’d probably like, or would have expected.
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