Stuart had another ordinary season in 2014-15, providing his typically meager offense, bout a solid complement of PIM, hits and blocks. He isn’t offensively gifted, but is a solid defender who's been more valuable to his NHL team than his fantasy owners throughout his career. At 31, he’s getting up there in age, but should still have several solid seasons left in the tank. Durability is a bit of a concern with Stuart, though. He's missed a total of 31 games over the last three seasons due to injury, and fantasy owners will want to take that into account when considering him in drafts. He will likely return as a top-four defenseman with the Jets in 2015-16. Stuart isn’t a sexy pick, but those in specialty formats that count hits and blocks will get plenty of use out of him.
Stuart had another typical year in 2013-14, recording two goals, 11 assists, 101 PIM and a plus-11 rating over 69 games with the Jets. While his offensive numbers leave a lot to be desired, Stuart proved his worth in his own end by leading the team in plus/minus rating, hits and blocked shots. He just inked a four-year, $10.5 million extension in March, so he should be in the lineup for every game when he’s healthy. He’s certainly not at the top of any draft boards, but his defensive prowess does give him some value in deeper leagues.
Stuart is a veteran NHL stay-at-home defender who adds little to the score sheet. With no offensive upside, he is best left to the wire.
Stuart's leading the Jets in penalty minutes for 2011-2012 does not by default make the 28 year-old an "enforcer". Without a true superstar in Winnipeg to protect or avenge, no Jet dropped the gloves at a particularly high rate in the club's first year back in Manitoba. Despite having his best statistical season since 2008-2009 with 14 points in 80 games, Stuart warrants a fantasy roster spot in only the deepest of leagues that reward penalty minutes.
The former first-round pick will probably never be a star in this league, but he's a solid stay-at-home guy and meshes well with the rest of the Bruins' fine defensive corps. Stuart's rugged play is valued by the B's, but his limited offensive upside keeps him off the fantasy radar.
Stuart gives the B's a steady backline presence, who is not afraid to throw his body around. With five goals and 17 points in 82 games (along with a plus-20 rating) last season, he's not much of an offensive threat, but over the summer, he reportedly worked more on his shooting and stickhandling. Don't expect the second coming of Ray Bourque, but he could see a modest boost in production.
Stuart doesn't light up the scoreboard very often, but he is a steady stay-at-home defender who provides the Bruins' blue line with a heavy hitter, who is solid in the transition game.
Stuart is among Boston's top-six defensemen and will likely land on the third pairing.
Stuart is the strong, sturdy type whose hallmark in the NHL will be his ability to keep his goalies happy. He's a crease-clearer and nothing more. This future captain is worthless in the fantasy arena.
Stuart is a big, mean and mobile crease-clearer who is often likened to Mike Rathje or Richard Matvichuk. He has a chance to land a big-league job this fall, but would be well-served to spend some time in the AHL. He'll be a fantastic NHLer some day but it's unlikely he'll produce enough to be a fantasy force.
