Sheppard was released Wednesday from his professional tryout with the Canucks, Jeff Paterson of TSN 1040 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard inked his deal with Vancouver about three weeks ago and has lasted near to near the end of camp. Unfortunately, his quest to return to the NHL for the first time since 2014 has come to n end and he's now officially a free agent.

Sheppard signed a professional tryout agreement with the Canucks on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

After spending seven seasons in the NHL with three different organizations, Sheppard opted to play overseas during the 2015 campaign, spending the year with Kloten HC of the Swiss league. However, he's opted to return to the States and will attempt to make an impact with the Canucks. The 28-year-old would likely just be a depth option at center and could struggle to see significant ice time.

Sheppard signed a professional tryout offer with the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Sheppard appeared in 71 games between the Sharks and the Rangers last season, often serving as a healthy scratch for the latter squad in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 27-year-old will audition for a role on the Blue Jackets' energy line during training camp.

Sheppard scored his first goal of the playoffs in Tuesday's Game 6 against the Lightning, tallying the eventual game-winning tally in the third period. Sheppard played a game-low (among Rangers) 8:35 in fourth-line duty, but scored a hard-working goal to put the Rangers up 4-1. It was the second tally of what ended up being a five-goal period for the Rangers, with Tampa chipping in a pair of goals to turn Sheppard's into the game-winner. It was his first point since May 10 against Washington.

Sheppard skated with the team's fourth line on Tuesday, reports Andrew Gross of The Record. With Jesper Fast moving to the team's third line, it appears the veteran center will make his playoff debut as the Rangers take on the Capitals for Game 1 on Thursday. Acquired at the trade deadline, it will be interesting to see how two veteran center's (Dominic Moore) and Tanner Glass mesh on the team's checking line. The 27-year-old Sheppard has just two points in 14 games played with the blueshirts and seven points through 24 career postseason games.

Sheppard has been a healthy scratch during the team's first two tilts with Pittsburgh. Until the team suffers a lopsided loss, it appears head coach Alain Vigneault is sticking with it's current line combinations, leaving Sheppard as the odd man out. The soon-to-be 27-year-old has two goals, five assists and 14 penalty minutes through 24 career playoff games.

Sheppard scored his sixth goal of the season in Sunday's 2-1 win over Florida. Playing in just his third game since joining the blue shirts, Sheppard made the most of his opportunity scoring on a deflection in the first period. The goal also sets a new career-high for Minnesota's former first round (2006) pick. While the Halifax native will continue to alternate with fourth line forward Tanner Glass, it's plausible to think Glass has little rope left to lose.

Sheppard will debut with the Rangers on Wednesday against the Red Wings. With Sheppard set to play Wednesday and work on the team's fourth line, Tanner Glass is in line to be a lineup scratch for the Rangers up front for the contest.

Updating a previous report, Sheppard is not on track to play Monday against the Predators, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports. Sheppard was unable to catch a quick enough flight to New York in advance of Monday's game, so his Rangers debut will have to wait until Wednesday against the Red Wings. Jesper Fast (sprained knee) will return to the lineup to occupy the spot that would have been reserved for Sheppard.

Sheppard is expected to play in Monday's game against the Predators, Jim Cerny of the Rangers' official site reports. Sheppard was traded to the Rangers on Sunday, giving him a chance to get acclimated to his new team in advance of Monday's contest. He spent most of 2014 on the third line for the Sharks, tallying 16 points in 57 games thus far, and will likely serve in a similar role with the Rangers for the remainder of the season.