The undefeated San Jose Sharks are getting a lineup reinforcement tonight against the Rangers.
Veteran defenseman Brad Stuart will play for the first time this season, according to CSN Bay Area’s Kevin Kurz. Stuart’s inclusion will reportedly come at the expense of fellow veteran Scott Hannan, dropped from the lineup after playing nearly 16 minutes in Saturday’s win over Phoenix.
A physical presence, Stuart missed the first two games of the year with a lower-body ailment. He had 87 hits and 89 blocked shots last season for the Sharks, averaging 20:27 TOI per game during the regular season and 19:09 in the playoffs.
The 33-year-old will bolster a Sharks team that’s started the year on fire. San Jose’s a perfect 2-0-0 thanks to dual 4-1 victories over the Canucks and Coyotes, outshooting Vancouver 35-22 and Phoenix 51-23.
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