Shaw expects to return to Blackhawks next season

Andrew Shaw, out since December with a concussion, took to Instagram on Monday night to tell Blackhawks fans that he expects to return for the 2020-21 campaign.

“Doing well and getting better every day,” Shaw wrote. “I feel healthy and am close to fully being healed from not just my last concussion, but from others I have had over the years.”

Shaw, who was drafted by the Hawks in 2013 and was a big part of two Stanley Cup teams, was reacquired from Montreal last offseason. He scored 3 goals and had 7 assists in 26 games.

A healthy Shaw would be a huge plus for Jeremy Colliton's squad, especially considering the feisty forward still has two years remaining on a contract that carries a $3.9 million cap hit.

Said coach Jeremy Colliton, who was forced to retire due to multiple concussions: “We'd love to have him back. He's an important player for us. Does a lot of things for ya on and off the ice.

“I'm familiar with what he's going through, and so I've tried to be open with him about my own experiences. Ultimately it's just him knowing that he has our support and we're here for him and want to do everything we can so he can take care of himself and his family.

“In a perfect world that would include him returning to play for us and helping us win. But we'll see.”

Shaw also thanked the Blackhawks medical staff and explained that he wanted to take as much time off as possible to completely heal.

“These extra five months … would be great for my health and recovery,” Shaw wrote. “I look forward to being back next season, better and stronger than ever!

“There's nothing I would love more (than) to be back out on the ice with the boys battling for Lord Stanley. I'll be cheering on and supporting the Blackhawks through this run! Love you boys and miss you like crazy!”

No de Haan, Crawford:

Defenseman Calvin de Haan missed practice Tuesday due to a family emergency. Coach Jeremy Colliton said it's “unclear when he'll be back.”

Colliton gave no further guidance on goalie Corey Crawford, who was deemed unfit to play Monday and did not practice Tuesday. Colliton also wouldn't say if Crawford is in Chicago or if he's elsewhere.

“The update is he's unfit to participate,” Colliton said. “That'll be the answer until something changes there.”