There is this mind set that we have to give James Sheppard a break because he is young and needs to grow. Under Doug Risebrough he was untouchable. I don't see anything in this kids play that leads me to believe that he is going to come to camp next season and light it up. Just think the Wild could have had Olli Jokinen (29g-28a-57pts) but Rishebrough wouldn't trade Sheppard to get him, Sheppard was untouchable.
Now that Doug Risebrough is finished with the Wild lets look at some of the players drafted after Sheppard in the 2006 entry draft.
9. James Sheppard Minnesota 160 games (9g-34a-43pts)
10. Michael Frolik Florida 79 games (21g-24a-45pts)
12. Bryan Little Atlanta 127 games (37g-30a-67pts)
25. Patrik Berglund St. Louis 76 games (21g-26g-47pts)
28. Nick Foligno Ottawa 126 games (23g-18a-41pts)
44. Nikolai Kulemin Toronto 73 games (15g-16a-31pts)
50. Milan Lucic Boston 149 games (25g-44a-69pts)
Way to early to say he is a bust. He should not have been playing in the NHL as early as he did (like a few other Wild players) but he could very well turn it around.
ReplyDeleteAs far as comparing him to some of the other picks, it seems clear that Doug could have done much better.
I don't think so, I think Sheppard should have been traded for Ollie when Risebrough was presented the choice last summer. If I was the GM that would be the first thing I would do after July 1st.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't neccessarily label him as a "bust" at only 20 years old, but he definatley is not "untouchable" as DR has always said. I think that at least partially went into the removal of DR by Leipold. As to why he would not even consider trading him for Jokinen is mind-boggling. And letting Rolston, Parrish, and Demitra go for nearly nothing were pretty obvious bad moves too. I guess I just don't know what DR saw in Sheppard. Clearly some of these other players you have listed are much better, any hockey fool can see that based upon the numbers and stats you have presented as evidence. Stats don't tell the whole story though. As with Lucic, he is a physical player and brings more than an occasional goal - he brings his ferocity and willingness to play the man with his immense frame.
ReplyDelete