Russo wrote a great article on Sheppard today, which can be found here
Sheppard has good size, is strong down low and has a decent shot--when he uses it. He has good wheels but does not always keep his feet moving. In short, the hockey ability is there, but does he have the drive to reach his potential? Don't worry Wild fans, this isn't another Pouliot. Sheppard will at least be a 3rd line center...but, having another 1st round draft pick with a lot of tools turn into nothing short of a 1st or 2nd line player will hamper a team that is already short of young forward talent.
As Russo's article shows, Sheppard didn't see eye to eye with Lemaire. OK, fine. I understand that Lemaire wasn't the easiest coach on his centers, and since Sheppard was a young center, it was probably even more difficult. But, it is the attitude displayed that worries me. Even now, after having a chance to redeem himself, Sheppard goes on to talk about how he was successful in juniors...
This is the NHL. How many guys are successful in the CHL, NCAA, etc., but never make it as an NHLer?? This is what Sheppard needs to realize; what works in another league might not work in the NHL.
There is a sense of optimism about Sheppard as he does acknowledge that he has recently learned the importance of faceoffs. So maybe, just maybe, the 21 year old is realizing that coaches might know something about the game. And if he can turn in a solid year, then he will be on the road to earning the reputation of being a vet.
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