Sharks Acquire Brad Stuart from Red Wings

The San Jose Sharks have announced that they have acquired defenseman Brad Stuart from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for center Andrew Murray and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2014 Entry Draft.  The Sharks now have exclusive negotiating rights with Stuart until July 1, when he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency.  Detroit will receive San Jose's seventh round pick in 2014 if Stuart signs with the Sharks.  In 81 games last season with the Red Wings, Stuart had six goals and 15 assists for 21 points.  Murray appeared in 39 games with the Sharks, scoring one goal and three assists for four points.  In also played in 10 games with Worcester of the AHL, scoring two goals and one assist for three points.  If the Sharks can get Stuart signed in the off-season, this is a solid move by the club.  There was much speculation that he wanted to play in California next season to be closer to his family, so San Jose may have an excellent shot at re-signing Stuart, who has expressed interest in signing with the club.  He will bring lots of defensive and shutdown skill and veteran depth to the team's blueline if signed.  As for the Red Wings, they weren't going to retain Stuart, so they were wise to add some possible assets instead of losing him for nothing via free agency.  However, the Red Wings are unlikely to sign Murray, who will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and was more than likely was just a "throw-in" player for the deal.  If Detroit were to sign him in the off-season, he would likely spend most of next season in the minors.