FINside The Sharks: Brad Stuart

March 4, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart (23) during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

With the re-addition of Brad Stuart to the roster, I thought why not go inside the man.

His rookie season with the Sharks in 1999-00 was his best with the team, earning 10 goals and 26 assists.  Since being traded

from San Jose in 2005, Stuart has 37 goals (3 shy of his totals with the Sharks). He has yet to match his career high of 10, reached in his rookie season and again in 2005-06 after joining the Boston Bruins.

Early in his career, Stuart had been compared to Gary Suter for his physical style of play, and has stepped up his game in the last few years. However, his 29 penalty minutes last season included just one fight. Granted hockey isn't all about the fighting and Stuart isn't really known, nor has he ever been known for his fights. Instead, he is known for his strong hip-checks, throwing his hips around and planting his opponent against the glass.

Described as “a minute muncher, a match-up guy, a great penalty killer, a physical presence, blocks shots.” by Red Wings GM Ken Holland, Stuart averaged 3:10 shorthanded time on ice per game (season total of 257:16) last season placing him first among all Red Wings defenseman.

His numbers on the penalty kill won't exactly help on a team who was 3rd in the league for least amount of penalties, however it will relieve some of the pressures off young Veteran Marc-Edouard Vlasic who averaged 2:07 per game.