When the NHL buyout period officially opens up today, the Colorado Avalanche are only expected to give thought to one using it for one name: Brad Stuart. The 36-year old defenseman has proven beyond being a legitimate on-ice contributor and the relationship with the organization may not be the rosiest around. It’s a complicated question with far-reaching consequences so let’s jump into the pros and cons of buying out Brad Stuart.
Pros
The reality of Stuart’s contract is that it’s a 35-plus contract, meaning it came into effect after his 35th birthday and protects him from a team jettisoning him with reduced salary cap implications.