James Sheppard

37-Year-Old Left WingLW

Free Agent

2024 Stats

PP Pts

+/-

PIM

2025 Projections

PP Pts

+/-

PIM

Unlock Our Projections

2025 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for James Sheppard in 2025. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Shoots Left

Height 6'1"

DOB 4/25/1988

Born Halifax, Canada

Drafted 1st Rd, #9 Overall in 2006

Released from PTO with Canucks

LWFree Agent

October 5, 2016

Sheppard was released Wednesday from his professional tryout with the Canucks, Jeff Paterson of TSN 1040 reports.

ANALYSIS
Sheppard inked his deal with Vancouver about three weeks ago and has lasted nearly to the end of camp. Unfortunately, his quest to return to the NHL for the first time since 2014 has come to an end, and he's now officially a free agent.

Read More News

NHL Stats

Loading Skater Stats...

2024 NHL Game Log

2024–25 Time On Ice Stats

Ice Time

Power Play

Short-Handed

Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring James Sheppard See More

NHL

Neutral Zone Wrap: Things That Go Mump In The Night

Evan Berofsky

December 15, 2014

NHL

FanDuel NHL: Value Plays for the Week

Michael Clifford

December 9, 2014

NHL

Waiver Wire: Power Patric

Rotowire Staff

November 8, 2014

NHL

FanDuel NHL: Value Plays for the Week

Michael Clifford

October 27, 2014

Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring James Sheppard See More

Neutral Zone Wrap

Neutral Zone Wrap: Things That Go Mump In The Night

Evan Berofsky

December 15, 2014
FanDuel NHL

FanDuel NHL: Value Plays for the Week

Michael Clifford

December 9, 2014
NHL Waiver Wire

Waiver Wire: Power Patric

Rotowire Staff

November 8, 2014
FanDuel NHL

FanDuel NHL: Value Plays for the Week

Michael Clifford

October 27, 2014

Past Fantasy Outlooks

2014

2013

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Sheppard struggled most of the past season, but finished with a fire that represented everything the Sharks -- and the Wild before them -- saw in him as a prospect. His regular season wasn't special overall (four goals and 16 assists in 67 games), but he did deliver five goals and 15 assists over his last 31 contests, both regular season and playoffs combined. Sheppard could be a savvy pick if he can carry the momentum he finished with into the start of the 2014-15 season. Play your cards wisely, though. We recommend watching and waiting on him. His history isn't great, so he he needs to show us that 31-game spurt was real before we invest.

Sheppard's development stalled after a freak ATV accident ripped apart his knee and shattered his knee cap in the summer of 2010. He was traded to the Sharks in the summer of 2011, but didn't see game action until this past season when he played in 32 games during the regular season and all 11 of San Jose's playoff games. Unfortunately, he only tallied four points in those 32 games and zero in the playoffs. Nonetheless, Sharks general manager Doug Wilson was impressed with Sheppard's progress and is willing to give him the time to get his game back. He's going to get playing time, but he's just not fantasy relevant in 2013-14.

Minnesota dealt Sheppard to the Sharks early in August, but he arrives in the Bay Area as damaged goods. The depth center missed all of last season with a broken kneecap originally sustained in an ATV accident, and it's an injury that leaves his availability for 2011-12 in question. Luckily for Team Teal, there is adequate depth at the forward position and the team can afford to be patient with Sheppard, a former first-round pick, as he recovers from a second operation on his knee. Given that he has only 49 points (11 G, 38 A) in 224 career games - all with the Wild - Sheppard is not likely to turn heads, even once his health is restored.

This 22-year-old center is entering his fourth season in Minnesota. A scorer in the minor leagues, Sheppard hasn't been as fortunate in his NHL career. His best professional season came in 2008-09, when he scored a career high five goals and 24 points. Remember though, Sheppard is only 22-years-old and still has some time to develop into the type of player he was drafted to be. However, for your fantasy teams, he's probably one to avoid this season.

Sheppard only scored 24 points last season and posted a minus-14. However, considering the one time ninth-overall pick in the NHL Draft will only be 21 this season, clearly he still has a ways to go until he reaches his ceiling. Sheppard is very talented, and he will have more room to work in the new, more open offense. While there is no guarantee that Sheppard makes a leap in production this season, he's a guy who could be worth a gamble.

Sheppard will be centering the Wild's third line this season. He'll also reap the benefits of the departure of Pavol Demitra by way of more ice time. By promoting from within to fill the void left by Demitra, the Wild illustrated their faith in Sheppard's ability. He was a scoring machine in the AHL (180 points in just 122 games), and with increased opportunity on the third line, he could improve the 19 points he scored last season by a wide margin. The 20-year old will likely go through some growing pains, but his upside is very high.

There is an awful lot to like about Sheppard's game. He is a good finisher, he passes well, he pays attention to detail in his own end, and he works hard. In just 56 games last season with Cape Breton of the QMJHL, Sheppard tallied 96 points. He has good size at 6-1 and 205 pounds and has received praise for being a leader on the Screaming Eagles. He should get a shot to make the Wild this season.

Sheppard may be ready for the NHL right now if not for his skating. He needs serious improvement in that area, and figures to get it with at least two more seasons in the Quebec League. If his skating comes along this season, he has an outside shot at playing in the NHL in 2007-08.

Sheppard is one of those guys who is either loved or hated by scouts. Some believe he's a top-notch power forward in the making while others see him as a leader from the third line. His foot speed will be the thing that makes or breaks his future, but as long as he can overcome his current size 15 treads, he could really shine. He's a risk/reward pick with good hands and size, but one who will be a long way off from a fantasy perspective.

More Fantasy News

Agrees to PTO with Canucks

LWVancouver Canucks Foreign

September 13, 2016

Sheppard signed a professional tryout agreement with the Canucks on Tuesday.