Stuart has been wearing an antibiotic pump lately but will play without it and just continue to insert an IV into his arm for the next two weeks. It’s just another example of what the Minnesota native will do to play and help his team.
"His passion for playing is obvious," said fellow defenseman Andrew Ference, who was paired with Stuart in the game-day skate Friday. "He wears his emotions on his sleeve out there, and it's because he cares. It's because he cares about winning and his teammates. He's pretty outward about it and it's infectious in the room.”
Having a guy like Stuart around is a reminder of just how lucky his teammates are to be playing in the NHL and in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"Coming back from such a long layoff, he was pretty excited and bouncing around the room this morning," Ference said. "I think it's a bit of a reminder to the guys that are in the lineup that it's a privilege to be playing, to be healthy and enjoying every minute of it. We don't need any more reminders with all the injuries that we've seen."
Veteran Mark Recchi, one of the game's most respected leaders, sees a possible future captain in the rugged Stuart.
“He’s captain material for sure, and to have another leader like that out there and in the room is huge,” Recchi said. “I’m very impressed with his passion and leadership and this organization has got a heck of a kid and leader with Stuey for sure.”
