WILD DEAL SHEPPARD TO SHARKS
The San Jose Sharks acquired forward James Sheppard from the Minnesota Wild for a third-round draft pick in 2013.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
A first-round pick, ninth overall in 2006, Sheppard is a strong skater with excellent size from either the center or wing position. Unfortunately, he missed all of last season due to a broken kneecap suffered during an ATV accident just before the Wild's 2010 training camp. Miscast as a potentially high scorer, Sheppard still has the tools to develop into a solid, two-way third liner--he's only 23, after all. While he has yet to play a single minor-league game since graduating from Cape Breton (QMJHL) in 2007, he was seemingly rushed to the NHL a little before his time. A change of scenery will do him a world of good. Down the road, the Sharks could be big winners in this deal.
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
By all accounts, Sheppard wasn't going to reach his full potential in Minnesota. Moreover, unrestricted free agency was looming after the end of next season. The third rounder acquired from the Sharks for Sheppard's services was a good return at this stage of the game, since the Wild got very little out of Sheppard during his stint with the team.
Fantasy impact
