Sharks re-sign forwards Wingels, Sheppard

The San Jose Sharks signed restricted free-agent forward Tommy Wingels to a three-year contract, the team announced Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed but previous media reports placed the total value at $7.4 million.

Wingels set career-highs in goals (16), assists (22), points (38) and plus/minus (plus-11) in 77 games last season. He was fifth on the Sharks in goals, sixth in points, and led them in hits (218) and game-winning goals (seven).

"I'm very excited about committing to the Sharks organization for three more years," Wingels said Tuesday, according to CSN Bay Area. "I'm humbled by the opportunity that [general manager] Doug Wilson has given me. ... I think this team can do a lot of special things and I look forward to being a part of that."

Wingels had three assists and 13 shots on goal in the Sharks' seven-game loss to the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Being a leader is something that I definitely take pride in," Wingels said. "The more I play the more secure I get in this League. You learn more and more about yourself. ...

"I think I can get better in a lot of areas, getting stronger. I think that’s something I have to be, strong so my body can maintain that physical style throughout a whole season."

Selected in the sixth round (No. 177) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Wingels has 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) and 79 penalty minutes in 157 regular-season games. He competed for the United States in the 2014 IIHF World Championship, where he had six penalty minutes in seven games.

"Tommy stepped forward and made a big commitment to our organization," Wilson said in a statement. "He is an important part of our team and a hard-working, physical presence in our lineup. He competes the way we want our team to play and we're excited to have his leadership, both on and off the ice, in our locker room for three more seasons."

The Sharks also signed restricted free-agent forward James Sheppard on Tuesday to a one-year contract. Sheppard had 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) with a plus-3 rating and 35 penalty minutes in 67 games last season. His two goals, four assists and six points against the Kings in the playoffs each tied for second on the Sharks.

Sheppard, 26, has 73 points (16 goals, 57 assists) and 155 penalty minutes in 323 regular-season games. He was nominated for the 2013 Masterton Trophy after returning from a career-threatening leg injury that forced him to miss two full NHL seasons from 2010-12.

"James has worked tremendously hard and earned himself a key role on our team last season," Wilson said. "His perseverance and dedication make him a valuable asset to our organization going forward."

Selected by the Minnesota Wild with the No. 9 pick of the 2006 NHL Draft, Sheppard was acquired by the Sharks from the Wild on Aug. 7, 2011.