Andrew Shaw wants fans to know he’s a nice guy and his past actions don’t represent who he is as a player or as a person.
Shaw’s developed a less than sterling reputation due to his actions and words on the ice. He’s been suspended for intentionally trying to injure a goalie and calling another player a homophobic slur. This season alone, Shaw was suspended three preseason games for running Capitals rookie Connor Hobbs and most recently, had to be talked to by the league after slew-footing Sabres forward Johan Larsson.
Shaw’s reputation is earned, but he told TSN’s Frank Seravalli he’s a “nice guy” and doesn’t want the reputation as a dirty player.
“I don’t want that rep. I’m not that kind of guy,” Shaw said. “I play hard, I play an in-your-face kind of style, but if you got to know me, I’m a pretty nice guy. I don’t want to hurt anyone out there. I want to learn. I want to get better from it.”
It might be a little late for Shaw to attempt to change public perception of him. He’s almost racked up as many dirty plays than games with the Canadiens. Shaw can preach he wants to get better, but the 25-year-old has proven repeatedly he’s not making the necessary steps to better his on-ice conduct.
Let’s hope this time, he means it.
