Andrew Shaw is the Blackhawks' nominee for the 2021 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, annually awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, as voted upon by the team's chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Shaw had been out with a concussion for nearly 14 months and worked his way back in time for the start of the 2020-21 season. He registered four points (two goals, two assists) in 14 games before being sidelined with another concussion that forced him to announce his retirement in April.
"Totally worth it," Shaw responded in his retirement press conference when asked whether it was worth the risk to play again. "Scored two more goals at the UC. Would’ve loved to experience that with fans, but it was worth it for me. I hope some of these young guys who came in learned something from me and carry on their career with a little part of Andrew Shaw. For me, it was totally worth it."
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Only two Blackhawks have won the Masterton Trophy: Pit Martin (1969-70) and Bryan Berard (2003-04). The 31 nominees will be narrowed to three finalists in a poll by the PHWA members, and the winner will be announced at a later date.
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