Shaw insists he's learned from past suspensions: 'I'm a nice guy'

Andrew Shaw and the NHL's Department of Player Safety have become well acquainted through his six seasons in the league.

The agitating Montreal Canadiens forward most recently met with DOPS vice president Stephen Quintal to discuss his latest mishap, a slew foot on Buffalo Sabres forward Johan Larsson in the Habs' season opener.

"He knows the type of player I am," Shaw said of Quintal, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN. "I play on that edge. I play on that line. He wants to make sure I don't cross it. I'll continue to do what I do to have success, but I want to make sure everyone is safe out there."

Shaw's been suspended his fair share, but didn't believe his stunt versus Buffalo warranted supplemental discipline.

"“Yeah, I tripped the guy, but it wasn’t vicious," Shaw said. "No one got hurt."

While it might be to save face among many fans and teams around the league, Shaw doesn't want the reputation of 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."