The Versatility of a Mutt--Why We Need to Keep Andrew Shaw

CHICAGO, IL -- It's pretty evident that Andrew Shaw can step up his game when it's necessary. He's proved himself this season.

Shaw is one of those players that can play in almost any position (I'm surprised Q hasn't tried playing him on defense), whether it be left/right wing or center, top or fourth line. He's a defensive forward, which the Blackhawks needed when Kruger went out with his wrist injury.

Though he didn't score last night against Vancouver, he scored in the three games prior. He's good at getting right up to the net and in the goalie's face--without getting a penalty for interference. That takes skill these days. Shaw isn't afraid to be annoying, and will create traffic at the net if he needs to. That's something a few other Hawks players could learn (I love Panarin, but I always find myself yelling at my TV telling him to either shoot or get closer to the net).

It is really nice to see him back on the fourth line with Desjardins and Kruger, since that line is strong and not afraid to make some powerful hits on the ice. Shaw is a bit of a fighter after all. Almost anytime I see a scuffle on the ice, I look first for number 65, knowing he's very likely in the middle. In fact, he probably instigated it.

That's part of the reason we love him, though. I think he gets into players' heads and under their skin, which is a talent that only Shaw can boast about. Granted, Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews sometimes find themselves between a few players and the boards, but it's more often than not Shaw. And the Blackhawks need that. They may not be a dirty team (and I don't think Shaw plays dirty, either), but they can get scrappy, especially the Mutt himself.

I know he's a restricted free agent after this season, but I think the Blackhawks need to do anything they can to make sure they hang onto him. He's versatile, he's a fighter, he's a powerhouse in his own way. Shaw has become an important part of the team, and really proved himself this season--playing on the top line isn't easy, and yet, he played easily alongside Toews and Hossa for a good stretch of games.

Long live the Mutt.

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