San Jose Sharks reacquire defenseman Brad Stuart in trade with Detroit Red Wings -NHL Update
Looks like San Jose wants defenseman, Brad Stuart, back on the team as Sharks acquired the player’s rights in a trade with Detroit Red Wings for unrestricted free agent forward, Andrew Murray, on Sunday, June 10, 2012.
One of the reasons for the trade as also been to family reasons that Stuart is currently dealing with. His family still lives back in San Jose, California, which is why he had been demanding a trade before the free agent deadline.
Moving before the July 1st deadline meant that Stuart would have some exclusive time to negotiate with the San Jose Sharks and possibly sign a contract extension before his previous deal would expire all the way.
"That's the goal of making the trade," Stuart said. "We'll work on it for the next three weeks and try to work it out. We have some time to figure that out. For the Red Wings to give me time to figure that out shows what a class organization they are. I
owe them a lot."
Stuart, a 32-year-old veteran defender, was acquired by the San Jose Sharks the first time during the 1998 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, in which they picked him as the third overall player.
He was traded to Boston Bruins during the 2005-2006 regular season followed by Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings and the past five straight years with Detroit Red Wings, giving him a total of 876 games played for 305 points (74 goals, 231 assists).
San Jose Sharks general manager, Doug Wilson, was the one to make the announcement.
"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," Wilson said.
Other than being closer to his family, Stuart is thrilled at the fact that Sharks are not only willing but excited as well to have him want to come back.
"It's nice to know they're excited to have a chance to get me back," Stuart said. "I feel the same way. Hopefully we can work it out."
Brad Stuart is definitely going to provide San Jose Sharks with immense defensive depth, making their prospects for the upcoming NHL season even more stimulating.
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