NEWSLETTER
After ten NHL seasons and winning two Stanley Cups, Andrew Shaw called it a career on Monday morning, ending his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks in his seventh season with the club.
Shaw, a veteran of 544 NHL games, another 66 in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, and 72 playoff games, has his career end at the age of 29 due to multiple concussions and head injuries sustained over the course of his career. After announcing his retirement in a video posted on the Blackhawks social media channels, he spoke to the media about his career, his decision to retire, and what is next for him after his playing career is over.
Andrew Shaw said the first teammate he talked to about making the decision to end his playing career was Brent Seabrook, who also called it a career this year due to injuries. #Blackhawks
— Brandon Cain (@brandonmcain) April 26, 2021
Two guys who were heart and soul players for the Blackhawks during the modern-dynasty era have had to call it quits earlier than they probably imagined due to injuries this season. Shaw and Brent Seabrook were two guys who put their bodies on the line every night for the Blackhawks and they paid the price in the end. Sad ways to see their careers come to a close, but they will forever be celebrated in Chicago sports history.
Andrew Shaw speaking now after his retirement this morning.
"Listening to doctors for once in my life, we finally made the decision it would be best to step away. Because there's no way I can change the way I play, and it's going to keep putting me in vulnerable positions."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 26, 2021
Shaw missed 14 months due to a concussion sustained in late-November of 2019 and forced him to reconsider his playing future before the 2021 season. After being cleared to return to the team in January, Shaw played 14 games in this 2021 season before again suffering a concussion in mid-February that has sidelined him since. Those were not the only two concussions that Shaw suffered in his time in the NHL, or in his entire playing career before then as well.
Andrew Shaw was asked how many concussions he has had: “Number? I don’t know. A lot. I’ve taken precautionary steps for each one, for sure. I’ve learned more about concussions in the last five years than we have for a long time “
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) April 26, 2021
When you play the game like Andrew Shaw did, the risk of injury is high. But that was the way he had to play to make it to the NHL. Shaw was a fifth-round draft pick by the Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Draft after having been undrafted in the previous two years of his eligibility. He was a hard-nosed player who fought and made a living by being physical and playing in the corners and in front of the net. Easy to see why he earned the nickname of “Mutt” in his time playing hockey.
Shaw says he hopes Brandon Hagel can carry on his role with the team.
"You can see a little bit of me in Hags… [But] he's a lot more skilled than me, and faster. I'd like to see him be a little more consistent."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 26, 2021
Shaw sees a lot of himself in Blackhawks rookie Brandon Hagel. The comparison has been there pretty much all season for Blackhawks fans, but with Hagel showcasing some better hands and being a faster skater.
Andrew Shaw (roughly): "My wife used to love when I fight. … Later on in my career she was scared, so that was a sign to be moving on."
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) April 26, 2021
In his decision to retire, or rather step away from the game as he has one-year left on his current deal and will spend the 2021-22 season on LTIR for the Blackhawks, Shaw is choosing his future and his family over risking any further injury or damage to himself. He’s active on social media, in the community, and has a number of initiatives off the ice that he is involved with, including being a brand ambassador for Ducky Brand Clothing. It appears post-hockey life will still be busy for him.
Shaw: “It’s not a good bye. I’m going to be around. You’re going to see this awesome face, this awesome voice a lot more.”
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) April 26, 2021
