Report: Woodcroft adds former Bruins defenseman to his coaching staff

According to a report from ESPN insider John Buccigross, the Edmonton Oilers have hired former NHL defenseman Mark Stuart as an assistant coach under head coach Jay Woodcroft.

Stuart had been coaching with the NCAA's Colorado College this past season and previously had coached with Woodcroft's brother Todd Woodcroft with the University of Vermont.

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I can only presume that Stuart will be running the defensive side of things for the Oilers, given his NHL history. The 38 year old was a well respected defensive defenseman for 11 seasons in the NHL splitting most of his time between the Bruins and Jets. All told he put together 26 goals and 93 points in 673 games. His typical stat line though wouldn't impress you offensively though, because that's not where he provided value. Rather, he played a steady game based on taking away scoring chances, blocking shots and clearing scoring areas. He was a no nonsense type player who was actually an underrated passer and skater. It'll be interesting to see how he transitions into coaching, because of lot of these defensive-minded players tend to see the game in such a way that lends itself to coaching.