Sharks & Wild Deal Again

			2010-2011 NHL Statistics				July 1st Status
To San Jose	Position	Age	GP	G	A	P	Years	Cap Hit
James Sheppard	F	23	0	0	0	0	0	RFA
--------------------------
To Minnesota	Position	Age	GP	G	A	P	Years	Cap Hit
2013 3rd Round Draft Pick

Well, this is by no means a big deal, since James Sheppard wasn't a fantasy pool-type player when he was healthy, but it's just a little something to post on a Sunday morning, when there is nothing much else going on.

Yes, the Wild and Sharks have made yet another deal, creating another pipeline between two teams that have decided to make trades with one another on a regular basis, this being the third deal in this off-season alone.

Sheppard, a restricted free agent in this deal, did sign with the Sharks after the fact, which is good news for him, but the details of the deal were not disclosed, but if I had to guess, it would be in the 1-year range, likely for $600,000.  Again, this is just a guess, not a report.

The 23-year old forward missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing major knee surgery in the middle of September, which is why his stat line is all zeroes.  With the trade and signing, I believe it is safe to assume that Sheppard will try and make a push for a job next season with the Sharks, who have plenty of spots available in their bottom six as of today.

Sheppard's best season in the NHL came in 2009, where he finished with 24 points in 82 games with the Wild.  That year, he finished 357th in pool scoring, 241st among all forwards.  I wouldn't jump on his stock too quickly, especially if he is going to be a bottom six player.