James Sheppard to Rangers: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The NHL trade deadline is Monday, but the New York Rangers didn’t wait until then to make some noise. 

The Rangers announced the news of a trade involving left winger James Sheppard, which was first reported by TSN's Darren Dreger.

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In their third trade Sunday the Rangers acquired center James Sheppard from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2016 fourth round draft pick.

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The Rangers are hopeful that both Sheppard--who will wear number 45 in New York--will be able to play Monday night when the Blueshirts host the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden.

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Sheppard has 16 points on the season for the San Jose Sharks (five goals and 11 assists), although he only had a single point throughout the entire month of February.

It is certainly interesting that the Sharks pulled the trigger on a trade considering they are in the middle of a race for a final playoff spot in the daunting Western Conference, but they clearly thought it was time to move on from Sheppard.

As for the Rangers, they are battling with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins in the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference and will likely look for more offense with Sheppard.