Mason Shaw

May 2019 – Shaw was having a solid rookie year in the AHL with the Iowa Wild. His 33 points led all Wild rookies and he helped the team to the playoffs, where he scored a goal in three games, before disaster struck for the 20-year-old. He suffered an ACL injury on his left knee. Surgery was a success and the prognosis is a six-month recovery at a minimum. This is the second season of the last three that has been ended prematurely because of a knee injury. He tore his right ACL at the Wild’s Prospect tournament before the 2017-18 season. Shaw has never been an outstanding skater and this injury will test his patience and perseverance. While he has the tools to work his way into an NHL roster at some point, having significant injuries in both knees can disrupt his development and prevent him from taking the necessary steps towards the NHL over the next year, as the injury can reduce your speed and skating confidence. A return at some point next season, likely after the new year, will be more about him getting back into playing than about production. Tony Ferrari 

April 2019 – The 20-year-old forward has played across all three positions at times this season. His recovery and rehab from the knee injury went well and rather than returning to the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, he began the season in the AHL with Iowa. While not spectacular production, Shaw’s 33 points in 76 games have been a welcome sign in his return to play. The play-making forward has flashed offensive skill and ability to play in a top-six. With Iowa heading for the Calder Cup Playoffs, Shaw will be given ample opportunity to show off his offensive talent and build on a solid rookie professional season. While it’s unlikely Shaw breaks camp with the NHL club in the fall, a strong playoffs could go a long way to moving him up the depth chart and earn him a call-up next season at some point. The tools are there to be an assist-heavy fantasy performer, so he is definitely a player to keep an eye on. Tony Ferrari 

April 2018 – After missing the entirety of the season with an ugly ACL injury, Shaw managed to earn an ATO with Iowa, where he’s played one game, playing about 10 minutes registering a +1. Shaw has always been a crafty offensive player who needs to up his skating, and a knee injury such as this will clearly will have an impact on his development. It’s hard to gauge at this time where he ends up, but an overage season in the WHL appears the best bet. Look for him to torch the WHL next season assuming he fully returns to form after his surgery. Will Scouch

July 2017 – I’m a big fan of this pick in the fourth round. Shaw has some serious flaws in his game, but he’s undeniably skilled and talented. He was ranked firmly in my late second round, and picking him up at 97 is great return on value. Like Ivan Lodnia, he was a 2.5 primary point-per-hour player at even strength, and landed a primary point on a highly notable 60 per cent of his team’s goals while on the ice. The endorsement of Nolan Patrick as his most talented WHL opponent isn’t meaningless either. This is another pick with huge upside for the small, speedy, skilled center.

He will need to work on his intensity and puck-battling instincts if he is to make the jump, but he will be an interesting project to monitor as he develops. I’m not sold on NHL projectability, and he may end up a winger if his willingness to get a bit gritty increases, but the upside is there. Will Scouch