Andrew Shaw to Canadiens: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Chicago Blackhawks announced they have traded forward Andrew Shaw to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night in exchange for the 39th and 45th selections in this year's draft. 

Shaw, who is slated to become a restricted free agent July 1, is expected to fetch a hefty sum when he hits the open market. 

Citing a source, the Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus reported Shaw is seeking a deal that will pay him "at least $4.5 million" annually. 

Sportsnet's Chris Johnston provided an update on Shaw's financial standing with the Canadiens following the trade:

If the Canadiens are able to hammer out a deal with the 24-year-old, he could provide a major lift to an offense that ranked 16th in goals per game (2.63) last year.   

In 78 appearances last season, Shaw tallied 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists). He also added four goals and two assists in the team's first-round series against the St. Louis Blues. 

"He brings so much to the table that you appreciate," Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville said in April, per the Chicago Tribune's Chris Hine. "His competitiveness. His willingness to find the dirty areas, score big goals doesn’t get distracted by the competition. I think everybody loves that feistiness I think he brings every game. So he’s an irreplaceable guy in that regard."

As it turned out, Chicago deemed Shaw to be replaceable because of the high salary he figures to fetch when free agency rolls around. And while it may sting in the short term, the Blackhawks needed to clear some cap space if they want to maintain financial flexibility in the summer.