Montreal Canadiens: Andrew Shaw days left until the start of the season

There are 65 days until the Montreal Canadiens take the ice for the 2018-19 season which brings up questions as to what Andrew Shaw will do with his year.

As the summer drags on, we’re getting close to that two-month mark before the puck drops to start off the 2018-19 regular season. In fact, there are 65 days left until that which points to Andrew Shaw as far as the Montreal Canadiens are concerned.

The 26-year-old had an interesting season that pointed towards the realm of the unlucky. It started with a lower-body injury in a game against the Boston Bruins in January that saw him miss the next 19 games. Shaw returned to play another eight games before that scary moment with Greg Pateryn.

The two had a messy collision during the game which appeared to be a concussion at first. The fact that Shaw didn’t return to the Habs further drilled that prediction home. It was later confirmed that not only did the Belleville native receive a concussion from the collision, but he also re-aggravated the lower-body injury from that Boston game.

That held his season at 51 games scoring 10 goals and 10 assists. Shaw, unfortunately, won’t be starting the year on time as the surgery on his left knee will keep him out for a minimum of six months. If everything goes well, Shaw should be ready to go for training camp in September.

More from A Winning Habit

• Montreal Canadiens: Biggest Questions Going Into 2023-24
• Montreal Canadiens: Quentin Miller’s Poise And Confidence Fuel His Game
• Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Top Defence Pair Could Be Set
• Montreal Canadiens: Worst Move Of The Pierre Gauthier Era
• Montreal Canadiens: Could Casey DeSmith End Up In Colorado?

As for his role, it probably won’t change. Shaw has been an energy player for the Montreal Canadiens since being acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s also proven to be a reliable option to have taking draws as his success rate in the last two seasons has been above 50%. That and his presence in front of the net will also likely make him an option on the power play again unless Claude Julien and the rest of the staff have other ideas in mind.

His overall placement in the lineup is another mystery. Last year, Shaw started on the second line with Phillip Danault and Alex Galchenyuk. But we can expect him to be pushed down a little further in the lineup with the growth players like Nikita Scherbak, as well as new names in Max Domi and Joel Armia.

Shaw isn’t necessarily in a position where he has to fight for a job based on his past pedigree and trust from the coaching staff. However, there are other players who will be breathing down his neck for an opportunity.

In Case You Missed It

Fans give their own grade for Marc Bergevin

The NHL Network graded Marc Bergevin on his performance as general manager for the Montreal Canadiens, and the fans chose to hand out grades of their own.

Looking ahead to the next expansion draft

Seattle is coming to the NHL at some point, and the Habs will be in a different position as far as the expansion draft goes.

Expectations for Jeremiah Addison

Jeremiah Addison is gearing up for his first full AHL season, and there’s a good chance he can succeed in a lineup projected to be filled with young skill.

Morning Links

An abundance of players is good news for a Montreal Canadiens ECHL affiliation (HEOTP)

The ECHL has proven to be another area to develop talent and the Habs can use their team next season with the number of players they’ve added to the organization.

Still Many Reasons for Optimism for The Habs (Habsterix)

There are shining lights on the Montreal Canadiens that can add positivity to the season.

Primeau: Clear objective (NHL)

Cayden Primeau shares his thoughts and goals for himself ahead of the World Junior Summer Showcase.