In his freshman year, he received the team's Bernie Burke Award as top rookie after recording 25 points in 38 games.

He played for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Portland Pirates, in 2005–06 and immediately began an eight-game scoring streak to begin the season.

[4] Midway through the season, he participated in the 2006 AHL All-Star Classic for Planet USA and won the fastest skater competition.

He scored NHL career-highs in goals, assists and points in only 35 games and was re-signed immediately after the season to a one-year, one-way contract to stay with Ottawa for 2009–10.

Shannon remained with the Lightning for the duration of the 2011–12 season, although failed to establish a regular role with the team, scoring 12 points in 45 games.

[citation needed] On May 22, 2012, without the offer of a new contract with the Lightning before free agency, Shannon signed a three-year deal with Swiss NLA team, ZSC Lions.