RANGERS ADD DEPTH FORWARD SHEPPARD
The New York Rangers acquired forward James Sheppard from the San Jose Sharks for a fourth-round draft pick in 2016.
What does it give the New York Rangers
Sheppard can play both wing and center, so he should be a decent depth addition for the Rangers. New York is clearly going all-in, in their quest to return to the Stanley Cup finals this spring. Adding Sheppard is a solid move with that in mind.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
The Sharks were often using Sheppard as the third-line center this season, a job that could now go to either winger {P Tomas Hertl} or rookie {P Chris Tierney}--two young players with a much brighter future than Sheppard. So, San Jose took the deal here.
Fantasy impact
Sheppard's ice time should go down in New York, so his minimal fantasy value could diminish accordingly. Tierney, who was recently sent back down to the AHL, might be the prime beneficiary of this trade.
