Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw has announced his playing career is over after 10 seasons due to concussion risks. Shaw will be placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve until his contract expires after the 2021-22 season.
Shaw, 29, appeared in 14 games for the Blackhawks this season but has been out of the lineup since early February after being elbowed in the head during a game against Dallas. His last game was on Feb. 9 and he has been in concussion protocol ever since.
“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. That point for me is now,” Shaw said in a video statement shared on the Blackhawls’ social media channels. “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.
“I am extremely proud of what I accomplished in my career, and I want to make it clear; I would not change anything about it. I won two Stanley Cups, made lifelong friends – and some enemies, too – and will cherish those memories for the rest of my life.”
After being passed over twice, Shaw was selected by the Blackhawks in the fifth round of the 2011 draft and by the end of the following season he was a regular on the team. Shaw would go on to win two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks in 2013 and ’15, while playing seven of his 10 seasons in Chicago. His career also included three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens.
Shaw retires with 544 regular season games to his name, scoring 116 goals and 247 points while also recording 573 penalty minutes. In 72 career playoff games he had 16 goals, 35 points and 123 penalty minutes.
“I will miss the locker room and my teammates from both Chicago and Montreal. I hope they will miss me too,” Shaw said. “Though I might have been excessively loud, pulled a prank once or twice and given you a hard time, I always prided myself on keeping the mood light and being the best teammate I could be. It was a pleasure competing with you night in and night out.”
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