Shaw placed in concussion protocol: 'It's terrible' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Andrew Shaw is in concussion protocol and will not play on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Blackhawks announced. Connor Murphy is also expected to miss 10-14 days with a right hip injury.
It's devastating news for Shaw, who missed the second half of last season because of a concussion and worked so hard to get 100 percent healthy for the start of the 2020-21 campaign. He had four points (two goals, two assists) in 14 games this season and was averaging 15:05 of ice time prior to the injury.
Just on Tuesday morning, Shaw said he was feeling really good and in great spirits being back at the rink and in the swing of things.
"Love it," Shaw said. "I love being at home with my family, but in that circumstance, it was obviously tough. Coming back from the injury, rehab, getting back into shape, it was tough. It was a long year, but all worth it. It’s great to be back with the guys. Being in the room is a lot of fun, obviously. Being on the road with the guys is one of the best parts of hockey. It’s good to be back. I’m sure I’ve annoyed people already, but whatever."
Head coach Jeremy Colliton, whose playing career was cut short because of concussions, was visibly distraught when talking about the news on Thursday. He also appeared to be angry at how it happened — an unnecessary elbow to the face that went uncalled.
"It’s terrible," Colliton said. "I don’t have much more to say other than that. Very disappointing."
The Blackhawks have been crushed by injuries this season and Shaw is the latest to be added to the list. But hockey takes a back seat when you think about Shaw's concussion history, and you just hope for the best for him personally.
"It’s the personal part that’s hard to swallow," Colliton said. "Not much to say about it. We've got to professionally do our job and come in here and play hard. We have a good thing going but we have to earn it every day. Part of it is doing it without your full group. We have to do both: feel for Shawzy and get it done anyway."
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