Eurolanche

Avalanche acquires Brad Stuart

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Brad Stuart from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft and a sixth-round choice in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“The acquisition of Brad helps strengthen our blue line,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic. “He is a proven, quality defenseman and his addition will help our team.”

Stuart, 34, has appeared in 985 career games in the NHL, recording 322 points (77g/245a). Selected third overall by San Jose in the first round of the 1998 Entry Draft, Stuart will be entering his 15th NHL season this fall. He has spent most of his career with San Jose but has also played for Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles and Detroit.

The Rocky Mountain House, Alberta native helped the Red Wings capture the 2008 Stanley Cup championship. He has dressed in 142 career playoff games, notching 40 points (10g/30a).

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound defenseman skated in 61 games for the Sharks this past season, notching 11 points (3g/8a) with a +4 plus/minus rating. He finished third on the club in both blocked shots (114) and hits (122). He went on to skate in all seven postseason contests for the Sharks.

-- Avalanche Press Release --