Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of the NHL
- Name: Mark Stuart
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 218 lbs
- Birthdate: 1984-04-27
- Eligible for Draft: 2002
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
- Acquired: 1st rd, 21st overall, 2003 Entry Draft by Boston
- Playing In: Pro
Mark Stuart
Prospect Grade: 7.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: DJ Powers
History
2001-02: Mark Stuart played with the USHL National Junior team, helping them to win the U18 World Championships. Stuart was an imposing physical force on that team, plus he led the squad with 25 PIM in the 12 games he played.
2002-03: He moved on to Colorado College and played in 38 of 42 games in his freshman season, missing four games when he played in the 2003 WJC in Halifax for Team USA.
2003-04: Stuart returned to Colorado and was a captain on the team as a sophomore, something not common in NCAA hockey. He did not total as many points as he did the year before, but played a pivotal role on the team as a stalwart defenseman, and ensured that the crease was clear all season long. He also played a key role on the 2004 US WJC team which won the gold medal.
2004-05: Stuart improved scoring during his junior year and completed the season with 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) and 94 penalty minutes in 43 games. But stats only tell one side of the story, especially for a solid defenseman like Stuart, whose influence on the ice is far more than his stats would reveal. Stuart has been the driving force for Colorado’s defense and walked away from the season as the WCHA Defensive player of the year. In addition to this honor, Stuart was chosen for the All-WCHA second team, and won awards from Colorado College for his leadership and dedication on the ice.
2005-06: Stuart opted out of his final season of college to sign his first pro contract. Spent the majority of the season with the Providence Bruins and went +4 on the season, with seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) and 76 penalty minutes in 60 games. Called up to Boston late in the season, earning two points (1 goal, 1 assist) and 10 penalty minutes in 17 games. Stuart registered his first assist on March 16 versus Ottawa and his first goal on April 10 versus Washington.
2006-07: Aside from a couple brief recalls to Boston, Mark Stuart spent the majority of his season with Providence, for a total 49 contests and 20 points. Stuart was easily one of the best young defensemen on the team, a tough competitor who not only gives his all on the ice, but is invaluable for what he brings to the lockerroom as well.
2005 HF Article on Stuart.
Janine Pilkington has contributed to this profile
Talent Analysis
Stuart is a big, mean, strong, stay at home defenseman. He has displayed good mobility for a man of his size and should be able to keep up with NHL forwards when he makes that jump. He is a natural born leader and doesn’t take it for granted. He is a workhorse of a defenseman who gives 110 percent every shift he steps on the ice. Stuart is the type of defenseman who will abuse opposing forwards all night long and intimidate them so they’re unwilling to stand in front of the net or go into the corner for a loose puck. One of Stuart’s downsides to some scouts is that sometimes he crosses the line from being tough to being unnecessarily rough, resulting in some concerns about his discipline.
Future
Stuart is a player who is on the verge of becoming a full-time NHL'er. He's got a qualities of a natural born leader and is going to be a top four NHL defenseman.
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2002-03 | Colorado College (WCHA) | 38 | 3 | 17 | 20 | N/A | 81 |
| 2003-04 | Colorado College (WCHA) | 37 | 4 | 11 | 15 | N/A | 100 |
| 2004-05 | Colorado College (WCHA) | 42 | 5 | 13 | 18 | N/A | 94 |
| 2005-06 | Providence Bruins (AHL) | 60 | 4 | 3 | 7 | +4 | 76 |
| 2005-06 | Boston Bruins (NHL) | 17 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 10 |
| 2006 | Providence Bruins (AHL) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 25 |
| 2006-07 | Boston Bruins (NHL) | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +7 | 14 |
| 2006-07 | Providence Bruins (AHL) | 49 | 4 | 16 | 20 | +4 | 62 |
Profile Last Updated: December, 19th 2008
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