Doug Shedden's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Selected in the fifth round as the 93rd overall pick, Shedden entered the National Hockey League (NHL) with a reputation for being a skilled forward. His debut with the Penguins came in the 1981-82 season, where he quickly demonstrated his scoring ability.
During his time with the Penguins, Shedden became known for his offensive prowess. In the 1983-84 season, he achieved a personal best by scoring 35 goals and adding 45 assists, totaling 80 points. This performance highlighted his ability to contribute significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Shedden's tenure with the Penguins lasted until the 1985-86 season, during which he consistently provided offensive support.
In 1985, Shedden was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he continued to showcase his scoring skills. Although his time with the Red Wings was relatively short, he managed to make an impression by maintaining his point production. After his stint in Detroit, Shedden was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in 1987. His role with the Nordiques was similar to his previous teams, focusing on offensive contributions and providing depth to the forward lines.
Shedden's NHL career also included a brief period with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, his time in Toronto was limited, and he eventually transitioned to playing in the minor leagues. Throughout his NHL career, Shedden played in a total of 416 games, scoring 139 goals and 186 assists, which amounted to 325 points.
Following his NHL career, Shedden continued to play professional hockey in Europe. He joined HC Lugano in Switzerland, where he played in the Swiss National League A. His time in Europe allowed him to extend his playing career while experiencing a different style of hockey. Shedden's ability to adapt to the European game demonstrated his versatility as a player.
After retiring from professional play, Shedden transitioned into coaching. He took on various coaching roles in North America and Europe, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players. His coaching career included positions in the American Hockey League (AHL) and European leagues, where he continued to be involved in the sport he had dedicated much of his life to.
🏒