Thrashers Sign Mark Stuart to Three-Year Extension

The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have signed defenseman Mark Stuart to a three-year contract extension worth $5.1 million. The deal averages out to $1.7 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 26-year-old defenseman was acquired by the Thrashers on February 18 from the Boston Bruins with Blake Wheeler in exchange for Rich Peverley and Boris Valabik. In 35 games this season with Boston and Atlanta, Stuart has one goal and four assists for five points and 33 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Thrashers, as Stuart brings lots of defensive depth to their blueline. He brings lots of shutdown skills to the team's defense and some physical play, so he should be a good fit for the team over the next three years.