Sharks to Sign Brad Stuart to Three-Year Deal

The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Brad Stuart to a three-year, $10.8 million contract.  The deal will average out to $3.6 million per season.  The 32-year-old defenseman was acquired by the Sharks on June 10 from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Andrew Murray and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2014 Entry Draft.  Detroit will now receive the pick since Stuart signed with the Sharks.  He would have been eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.  In 81 games last season with the Red Wings, Stuart had six goals and 15 assists for 21 points.  This will be a solid move by the club.  There was much speculation that Stuart wanted to play in California next season to be closer to his family, so San Jose has helped accommodate his wishes.  Stuart will bring lots of defensive and shutdown skill and veteran depth to the team's blueline over the next three seasons.