The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Andrew Shaw from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2016 NHL Draft for two second-round picks in the 2016 draft. The Canadiens also traded forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals in exchange for two second-round picks, one in 2017 and one in 2018. Both moves were announced by Gary Bettman at the draft.
The 24-year-old Shaw is a solid third-line center who’s a pain to play against. His physical play will make Montreal tough to deal with, mixed with the combination of Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens likely will give him a larger offensive role than in Chicago. He scored 14 goals and 34 points in 78 games in 2015-16. Shaw is a restricted free agent and will need a new contract entering next season. The cap-strapped Blackhawks were unlikely to give him the money he was asking for and did well to acquire two picks. Two second-round picks is a high price, but he’s a good player to have on your side.
Eller is a defensively responsible center who’s offensive game never fully blossomed to the level which resulted in him being drafted by the St. Louis Blues 13th overall in 2007. The 27-year-old is still an effective player who can contribute in any role and play tough minutes. Montreal did extremely well to get two second-round picks for him. He’ll fit nicely in the middle-six for the Capitals.
Montreal paid a premium for Shaw, but did well on Eller. The Canadiens are looking to get tougher and Shaw fits the bill.
