James Sheppard fractures left kneecap in off-ice accident; out indefinitely

2010-09-07 18:10:00

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Wild centre James Sheppard has a fractured left kneecap and there is no timetable for his return.

The team disclosed the injury Tuesday.

It said Sheppard was hurt in an off-ice accident on Saturday night in Vail, Colo., but did not say what happened.

The timing couldn't be much worse for Sheppard, a former first-round draft pick who has been slow to develop in the Wild organization.

The team signed veteran centre Matt Cullen this off-season to provide some depth at the position.

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