Red Wings Deal Stuart to San Jose

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Sunday that they have traded defenseman Brad Stuart to the San Jose Sharks in return for a conditional seventh round draft pick in 2014 and forward Andrew Murray.

Both Stuart and Murray are set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Stuart spent the last four seasons with the Red Wings after being acquired by the team at the 2008 trade deadline.  He had made it clear that he intended to return to California – where his family remained during his time in Detroit – as a free agent this offseason.  Should he re-sign with the Sharks, it will mark his second stint with the team, as San Jose drafted him third overall in 1998.

Murray was originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2001 and has played in 220 NHL games between the Blue Jackets and the Sharks.  He was reportedly included in the deal just to give the Sharks roster space to acquire Stuart, as the Wings will make no attempt to sign him.