STUART RETURNS TO SAN JOSE
The San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Brad Stuart from the Detroit Red Wings for winger Andrew Murray and a conditional 2014 draft pick.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
There was much speculation that Stuart was hoping to play in California next season for family reasons. An ex-Shark as recent as 2005-06, the solid defensive-minded veteran would without a doubt help bolster San Jose’s blueline if he signs there. Just by trading for him before he hits free agency on July 1st shows a certain commitment toward Stuart by the Sharks, so that augurs well. All in all, a good deal by both clubs.
What does it give the Detroit Red Wings
With Future Famer {P Nicklas Lidstrom} just retired and Stuart now traded, the Red Wings will be open for business this off-season with intentions on revamping their defense corps. {P Niklas Kronwall}, {P Jonathan Ericsson}, {P Ian White} and {P Kyle Quincey} form the top-4 at the moment, so the theory of adding some vital pieces is legit. Youngsters {P Brendan Smith}, the organization’s top prospect, and {P Jakub Kindl} will also be at hand in training camp to battle for a spot. Stuart was heading for unrestricted free agency, so the Wings basically received two assets—journeyman grinder {P Andrew Murray}, and a conditional pick if Stuart signs in San Jose—for a player they were probably not going to re-sign at his price tag. Both Stuart and Lidstrom earned big pay days in 2011-12, so expect Detroit to actively pursue {P Ryan Suter} if he hits the free agent market.
Fantasy impact
