Andrew Shaw is looking for a raise. A substantial one at that, based on reports at the NHL Draft.
The 24-year-old Shaw is a pending restricted free agent at the end of a two-year, $4 million deal that paid him $2.5 million this season, in which he scored 14 goals and 34 points in 78 games and followed that up with four goals and six points in six playoff games, before Shaw and the Chicago Blackhawks were bounced in the first round.
It was previously reported the Blackhawks expected to re-sign Shaw, especially after freeing up cap space by trading Bryan Bickell to Carolina, in a deal that also cost Chicago skilled forward Teuvo Teravainen.
Now, well, there could be another twist in the plot, given the amount of money Shaw is reportedly asking for.
$4.5M seems like a lot, but Shaw has been a 20-goal scorer. If you're paying Kruger $3.1M...
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 24, 2016
Source on chances Shaw and #Blackhawks get a deal done: "50-50." Like @MarkLazerus already said, FLA also interested.
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) June 24, 2016
The Blackhawks, as per General Fanager, have about $6.39 million in projected cap space for next season but only nine forwards under contract for 2016-17 on their NHL roster. So, yes, they’re still sweating the salary cap, even with the Bickell contract gone.
The draft brings about a litany of trade speculation and rumors, and both Shaw and teammate Marcus Kruger are on that list.
The Chicago Tribune reported on Thursday that the Blackhawks have had discussions with Shaw’s agent, Pat Brisson, but there had been no progress.
Given the Hawks’ cramped situation against the cap, Bowman may have to decide between keeping Shaw and Marcus Kruger, who makes about $3.1 million, a salary in the range of what Shaw is likely to command.
The Hawks have searched for trade partners for Kruger, according to a source, and they are also seeking partners for Shaw in case they cannot strike a deal. The Hawks are shopping 2011 first-round pick Mark McNeill as well, according to reports.