Habs' Bergevin happy with Shaw acquisition: 'I believe in leadership'
The Montreal Canadiens made a splash at Friday's draft well before they picked defenseman Mikhail Sergachev with the ninth overall pick, as general manager Marc Bergevin crafted a trade to land Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw.
The Canadiens also dealt forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals, but in adding Shaw, Montreal sent two second-round picks to Chicago for a player Bergevin thinks can have an immediate impact.
#Habs MB: "(Shaw) is a proven winner. I know he can help our room. I don't know exactly what he's going to cost us, we had to make some room
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) June 25, 2016
Shaw's resume with the Blackhawks also had an impact on the acquisition.
"I believe in leadership and character, he's won two Stanley Cups, only played five years in the NHL," Bergevin said.
Shaw is a restricted free agent, and reportedly asked the Blackhawks for a new contract in the realm of $4.5 million, and though he doesn't know what it will cost, Bergevin is adamant on getting a deal done soon.
#Habs MB re speaking with Shaw's agent Pat Brisson tonight: "We're going to start the conversation pretty soon about getting him signed."
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) June 25, 2016