San Jose Sharks: James Sheppard to AHL for Conditioning
San Jose Sharks forward James Sheppard is one step closer to returning to the ice after being assigned to the AHL for a conditioning assignment.
After undergoing a surgical procedure during the offseason on his left knee, Sheppard has been skating during practice with the Sharks and even went along during their most recent trip to the East coast.
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I’m excited to see Sheppard back in the lineup. He was given a one-year contract extension over the summer as well. Despite his stats not being all that impressive, general manager Doug Wilson mentioned around the time of his contract signing, that Sheppard was a key component in the infamous San Jose Sharks rebuilding.
Sheppard had four goals, 16 assists and 35 penalty minutes over the course of 67 games played in the 2013-14 campaign. During the first round of the playoffs, prior to falling to the Los Angeles Kings, Sheppard assisted the Sharks offensively with two goals and four assists over the seven games played.
Sheppard wants to be with the Sharks and believes they have what it takes to win a Stanley Cup. But even with the positivity surrounding him, Sheppard needs a good start to the season. Once back in the NHL, he better skate to impress.
The tough decision for when he returns, is where he will be placed on the roster. The third line of Chris Tierney, Tye McGinn and Tommy Wingels has been playing really well so far, so there’s a possibility he will be placed on the fourth line.