Blue Jackets sign James Sheppard to pro tryout contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward James Sheppard to a professional tryout agreement in advance of training camp, as first reported by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

A veteran of 394 NHL games, Sheppard split last season between the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers, scoring seven goals and adding 11 assists during the regular season, and recording a goal and an assist in 13 playoff games.

Altogether, Sheppard recorded 23 goals and 68 assists since he was drafted ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2006.

30-year-old Antti Pihlstrom, who appeared in 53 games for the Nashville Predators back in 2008-09, will also attend camp on a PTO. He spent the past four seasons with KHL club Ufa.