Brad Stuart, 1000 Games
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brad Stuart has played in over 1,000 regular-season games. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
In his 15th NHL season, defenseman Brad Stuart achieved playing in 999 regular-season games. However, he suffered a hamstring injury in game 999, keeping him out for six weeks. That means he had to wait around for six weeks before reaching the important milestone of 1,000 NHL regular season games on December 18.
The Colorado Avalanche faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh for that game. The Avalanche lost 1-0 in overtime, unfortunately.
Stuart played a lively game, though. He recorded an impressive four shots on net — the Avalanche had 29 total, compared to 48 for the Penguins. Stuart also spent a couple minutes in the penalty box for tripping Evgeni Malkin.
According to the Denver Post, Stuart said of the honor:
"“It’s something I can be proud of. There’s a lot of guys in this league, but a small percentage of them get lucky enough to play in this many games. It’s something I can be proud of when my career is over. Right now, it’s not that important. We have to start winning some games.”"
Stuart is the 100th defenseman and 293rd player to achieve that milestone. Six other players have earned that achievement while wearing an Avs sweater — Adam Foote, Todd Gill, Ian Laperriere, Milan Hejduk and the greats, Patirck Roy and Joe Sakic. Sakic and Hejduk played all their games for the franchise.
The Colorado Avalanche honored Stuart in the traditional way, by awarding him a silver hockey stick before their home game against the St. Louis Blues December 23.