CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 10: Andrew Shaw #65 of the Chicago Blackhawks follows the puck against the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on January 10, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Avalanche 6-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Canadiens acquire Andrew Shaw from Blackhawks, trade Lars Eller to Capitals

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.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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