Detroit Red Wings acquire 51-goal-scoring forward in substantial signing today in hockey history

On August 5th of 1991, the Detroit Red Wings received a huge offensive boost from general manager Bryan Murray in a big offseason signing.

Free agent Ray Sheppard was signed to a one-year deal and immediately made a dominant impact in his debut season with the Red Wings, tallying up 36 goals and 26 assists for 62 points.

Drafted 60th overall by the Buffalo Sabres organization in 1984, the at-the-time young forward proved his special scoring ability by putting up 38 goals and 65 points in his rookie season.

His production then slowed down the following two seasons, which led to the New York Rangers acquiring his rights after a slow ending in Buffalo.

After not living up to his true goal-scoring ability in New York, Sheppard found himself on the open market.

He suddenly fell into the Detroit Red Wings' lap in the summer of 1991.

Sheppard would go on to lead the Red Wings to great success while finding his scoring touch once again. In the 1993-94 season with Detroit, he posted career-high numbers with 52 goals and 93 points.

He is one of two players in NHL history to score 20+ goals in a season for all six teams he played for, including the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Florida Panthers.

Bill Guerin is the only other player to accomplish such a feat.

After retiring, Sheppard has found himself serving on the Panthers Alumni Association's board and is also a top-ranked golfer.