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Shannon is a squirt (5-9, 175) with excellent vision and playmaking skills. He's also quite effective with the man advantage and is surprisingly durable for a little guy. His hard work and tenacity have never translated into significant NHL production but he did manage 27 points in 79 games with the Sens last year. We're hearing rumbles that the Bolts may try to slot him in on the second line alongside either Vinny or Stammer in the hopes he can be Marty St. Louis lite. Watch him in camp -- he could deliver 40-50 points if he wins that job.
Shannon is looking to rebound after a difficult 2009-10 season where he recorded only 16 points in 66 games with a minus-12 rating. He's going to find it difficult to remain an everyday player on Ottawa's roster as there are several young forwards with more offensive upside challenging for a spot amongst the top 12 forwards in training camp. Shannon, at best, could score around 15 goals and 20 assists if he remains healthy and productive this season.
Shannon resurrected his career in Ottawa last year due to a number of factors. One was the fact that he started the year in Binghamton with Clouston as his coach. He quickly became the B-Sens' best offensive forward and after Clouston took over the big club, Shannon was recalled shortly after and became a real sparkplug for Ottawa. The second factor is that Shannon has a tremendous work ethic and never takes a shift off. Thirdly, while he is small, Shannon has speed to burn and uses it to get behind the opposing defense on a regular basis. Newly inked to a one-year, one-way contract, Shannon has a good shot to hit 20 goals this year if can stay healthy. Shannon should be considered a keeper only in deep leagues.
The talented and speedy winger will likely begin the season in the AHL with Ottawa's affiliate in Binghamton. Shannon has the talent to be a decent winger on the second or third line, but his small frame could hold him back from really breaking through.
Shannon is a speedy, but smallish forward that will battle for time at forward on a team desperately seeking scorers. Should Shannon have a productive preseason and impress the coaches, he may find himself with all sorts of opportunities. Definite sleeper in deeper leagues.
Shannon will open the season on the Ducks' second scoring line with Dustin Penner and Todd Marchant. Although he's undersized (5-9, 175) he could prove to be an excellent late-round value pick given the "new NHL's" protection of smaller players.
