Should the Colorado Avalanche buyout Brad Stuart?

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. Stuart only has one year remaining on the contract with a…