Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is no stranger to making tough decisions. He’s done a great job weighing risk versus reward while building a modern-day NHL dynasty.
His latest challenge is figuring out how veteran winger Andrew Shaw fits into the team’s future, if at all. Shaw is 24 years old and will be a restricted free agent if unsigned by July 1.
Chicago has faced salary cap problems throughout its run of three Stanley Cup titles since 2010. Many good players have been traded or allowed to walk as free agents because of cap restrictions, and Shaw could very well be the next one in that group.
Shaw plays his role very well, but paying bottom-six players anywhere close to $4.5 million annually is almost never a good idea. Chicago still has to pay top-six forward Artemi Panarin after next season, and if he has another 70-plus-point campaign, the price will be very high.
Trading Shaw and re-stocking the prospect pool seems like the best bet for the Blackhawks if Shaw doesn’t relent from seeking $4.5 million per season in his next contract.
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images
