In a move that was anticipated but dreaded by many Minnesota Wild fans, the team has re-signed center James Sheppard to a one-year contract worth $803,250, according to Mike Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
I’ll be honest. I see the rationale behind this, but I’m still not happy about it.
Minnesota general manager Chuck Fletcher told Russo that Sheppard’s spot on the roster will not be assured, and that he will be given every opportunity to prove himself in training camp. Now, I know that I’ve been drinking Fletcher’s Kool-Aid ever since he was hired, but I’m also willing to look past the Fletcher-tinted glasses and call a spade a spade.
Do I want Sheppard to succeed?
Absolutely. His emergence would only be a good thing for the Wild.
When Pierre-Marc Bouchard went down with an injury last season, he was expected to step up into the second line center role.
But, he didn’t.
Then, when Kyle ...
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Article written by Blake Benzel