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DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenceman Brad Stuart from the Los Angeles Kings for two draft picks Tuesday, adding depth to their injury-depleted blueline.
Detroit gave up a second-round pick this year and a fourth-round selection next year to the Kings.
The 6-foot-2, 213-pound Stuart had five goals and 16 assists for Los Angeles this season.
He made his NHL debut during the 1999-2000 season with the San Jose Sharks and went on to play for Boston, Calgary and the Kings. The 28-year-old Stuart has 58 goals and 227 points in his career and has 12 points in 52 postseason games.
The league-leading Red Wings made a deal with the team with the fewest points in the NHL just before the trading deadline.
It was a move they needed to make.
Detroit desperately was looking to add a veteran defenceman because Norris Trophy-winner Nicklas Lidstrom (knee), Brian Rafalski (groin), Niklas Kronwall (shoulder) and Chris Chelios (knee) are all out with injuries.
Without giving anything up, the Red Wings also added a forward on Monday by signing Darren McCarty to a one-year deal.
The 35-year-old right wing, who became a fan favorite as he helped Detroit win three Stanley Cups, has been assigned to Grand Rapids on a 14-day conditioning loan.
McCarty was scoreless in 32 games last season, his second with the Calgary Flames.
