HOCKEY: Sharks acquire defenseman Brad Stuart

The San Jose Sharks acquired the rights to veteran defenseman Brad Stuart in exchange for forward Andrew Murray and a conditional draft selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced Sunday.
The Sharks now hope to work out a deal with Stuart, who began his career with the Sharks, before the 13-year veteran becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1,
“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,” Wilson said. “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.”
San Jose drafted Stuart third overall in 1998. He posted 153 points (36 goals, 117 assists between 1999 and 2005 with the Sharks. Since 2005, Stuart has played for Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles and Detroit, spending the past four -plus seasons with the Red Wings. Stuart played in two straight Stanley Cup finals with Detroit, winning it all in 2008.
In all, Stuart has 305 points (74 goals, 231 assists) and 489 penalty minutes. He has also added 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) in 124 career playoff games with San Jose, Calgary and Detroit.