NHL Capsules: Wild center James Sheppard breaks left kneecap
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild center James Sheppard broke his left kneecap Saturday night, and there is no timetable for his return.
The team disclosed the injury Tuesday, announcing Sheppard was hurt in an off-ice accident in Vail, Colo., without specifying what happened. Wild spokesman Aaron Sickman said Sheppard had surgery on his fractured patella Saturday night.
The timing couldn't be much worse for Sheppard, a former first-round draft pick who has been slow to develop. The Wild signed veterans Matt Cullen and John Madden this summer to bolster the center position, and prospects Cody Almond and Casey Wellman are expected to get a chance to challenge for roster spots in training camp.
Sheppard has only 11 goals and 38 assists in 224 career games. He had two goals and four assists last season.
Blackhawks promote Bowman
CHICAGO (AP) — General manager Stan Bowman has been promoted to vice president/general manager in a series of moves by the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.
The 37-year-old Bowman became the youngest general manager in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup when the Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in June. Chicago's championship, its first since 1961, came in Bowman's first year as GM.
Bowman, the son of legendary NHL coach Scotty Bowman, was named the ninth general manager in franchise history on July 14, 2009, when Dale Tallon was demoted. Stan Bowman is now in his 10th season with the Blackhawks after serving in a variety of capacities, including assistant general manager.
Team president John McDonough on Tuesday also announced the promotions of Jay Blunk to executive vice president, Kevin Cheveldayoff to assistant general manager/senior director of hockey operations and Al MacIsaac to vice president/assistant to the president.
Canadiens sign veteran center Halpern
MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens have signed veteran center Jeff Halpern to a one-year contract for $600,000.
The 34-year-old Halpern joined his fifth NHL team on Tuesday. Halpern split last season between Tampa Bay and Los Angeles. He had nine goals and 10 assists.
In 720 career games with Washington, Dallas, Tampa and Los Angeles, he has 131 goals.
