San Jose Sharks acquire James Sheppard from Minnesota Wild for future Draft Pick –NHL Update
James Sheppard, a 23-year-old centre player from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, was acquired by San Jose Sharks on Sunday, August 7th, in exchange for a future third-round draft pick in the 2013 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft from Minnesota
Wild.
Sheppard, a former ninth overall draft pick during round-one of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by Minnesota, failed to live up to expectations in comparison with his selection and remained a player which Wild wished to trade for a while now.
Considering his ninth overall pick status, many analysts are of the view that changing teams could be the key in restoring Sheppard’s playing ability which was so highly viewed before the 6-foot-2; 210-pound player joined the NHL.
Before joining the major league via the entry draft, Sheppard was highlighted during his 2003-2004 season with Dartmouth Subways in the North Scarborough Men’s Hockey League (NSMHL) in which he played 61 games and potted an impressive 92 points (38 goals,
54 assists).
The following three seasons were with Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) which truly got the play maker recognized in his abilities. The first season with the minor league was low for his standard as he played 65
games and scored a total of 45 points (14 goals, 31 assists), but the next two were his peak year’s.
In 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, Sheppard scored 84 points (30 goals, 54 points) and 96 points (33 goals, 63 assists) respectively until finally being picked up by Minnesota Wild.
His first season in the NHL was during the 2007-2008 timeframe in which he appeared in 78 games and potted 19 points (4 goals, 15 assists). The following season brought about career highs for the Canadian player as he participated in all 82 games and registered
24 points (5 goals, 19 assists).
Last season, Sheppard was limited to 64 games due to an off-ice accident which resulted in a broken left kneecap, and managed to score a mere six points (2 goals, 4 assists).
James Sheppard, San Jose’s third trade to Minnesota Wild this offseason, hopes to begin fresh with Sharks when the new season begins in October, a chance which could prove fruitful for the young centre.
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