Defenseman Brad Stuart could once again be playing for the organization that gave him his start in the NHL. The San Jose Sharks announced on Sunday afternoon that they have acquired Stuart's free agent rights from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Andrew Murray and a conditional 2014 draft pick.
Stuart is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1, and by acquiring his rights now the Sharks get a head start on trying to sign him to a new contract before he hits the open market. If they don't reach an agreement before then he will be free to sign with the team of his choice.
“We are very happy to acquire Brad’s rights prior to July 1 and are hopeful that we come to an agreement on a new contract,” said Sharks general manager Doug Wilson in a team statement. “Brad is a player we are very familiar with – a physical, team-first defenseman who is tough to play against, which is exactly the kind of mentality we want our team to possess.”
Stuart was originally drafted by the Sharks in the first round of the 1998 draft (No. 3 overall) and spent parts of six seasons in San Jose to begin his career. During the 2005-06 season he was traded to Boston, along with forwards Marco Sturm and Wayne Primeau, in the blockbuster deal that saw the Sharks acquire center Joe Thornton from the Bruins.
In 81 games with the Red Wings this past season he scored six goals to go with 15 assists.
Murray appeared in 39 games for the Sharks scoring one goal and recording three assists.
The Red Wings now have two spots to fill on their blue line this offseason, having already lost Nicklas Lidstrom to retirement. A large chunk of the defense that guided them to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances (and one championship) during the 2008 and 2009 seasons has now moved on. Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski to retirement, and now Stuart to a trade.
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