Mark Stuart was joined on the ice Friday morning for an informal skate at MTS Iceplex by some Winnipeg Jets players, local NHLers and free agent Eric Fehr. Alex Burmistrov, Tobias Enstrom, Ivan Telegin, Jason Gregoire and Kevin Clark represented the Jets and their AHL affiliate, while New Jersey's Travis Zajac, Minnesota's Justin Falk and St. Louis' Ryan Reaves were also on the ice getting ready for a training camp that may not start on time. "We all want to play," said Stuart. "It's definitely there, that cloud. It's there all the time and you're thinking about it and it's worrisome. But you just have to prepare as if you're starting on time just like any other season. Sometimes that's easier said than done, but we've got some good skates going on here."

Mark Stuart has been announced the winner of the Dan Snyder Memorial Award, which goes to the Jets player who embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his team and teammates may succeed. The award was carried over from the Atlanta Thrashers and named after former NHLer Dan Snyder, who died in a car crash in 2003. Stuart was given the honor prior to Saturday's game versus Tampa Bay. The Winnipeg blueliner finished the 2011-12 campaign tied for eighth in the league with 182 blocked shots. Stuart also had 14 points and 98 penalty minutes in 80 games.

Mark Stuart has been handed a $2,500 fine for his hit on Marcus Johansson during Friday's game. Stuart will not be suspended for his actions. He appeared to make contact with Johansson's head, but the NHL didn't mention that in their decision. Instead, the NHL felt Stuart's hit was "late" because Johansson no longer had possession of the puck. Even before the NHL's ruling, Washington's Brooks Laich was upset with Stuart's actions. "Apparently Mark Stuart can hit guys in the head," Laich said. "He did it to [Troy] Brouwer; he did it to Marcus."

Washington Capitals coach Dale Hunter said he fully expects the NHL to review Jets defenseman Mark Stuart's high hit on Marcus Johansson in the first period of Friday's 3-2 loss in Winnipeg. Stuart appeared to use his forearm to drive Johansson's head into the end boards behind the Winnipeg net. The hit, which knocked Johansson's helmet off, also appeared to be a step late. "Apparently Mark Stuart can hit guys in the head," Washington's Brooks Laich said. "He did it to [Troy] Brouwer. He did it to Marcus." If Stuart is disciplined, expect something to be announced before Winnipeg hosts Carolina on Sunday.

There has been a call for Claude Noel to play Dustin Byfuglien with Mark Stuart. This change would boost Stuart's fantasy value significantly. Byfuglien is a loose player who cannot be contained. He should be playing with a stay-at-home type like Stuart. If this move does happen, Stuart should see an increase in points, ice time, and plus-minus rating.

Mark Stuart returned to action on Sunday November 6.

Winnipeg bench boss Claude Noel is hoping to have defenseman Mark Stuart (undisclosed) back in the lineup on Sunday night against the New York Rangers. He has missed the team's past two games with an undisclosed injury. The Jets are missing three players from their top-six defense corps and five blueliners are injured in total, so getting their shot-blocking leader back would be a big help.

Mark Stuart is considered to be doubtful for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders because of an undisclosed ailment. "He's banged up a lot. Banged up is the way he plays," coach Claude Noel said. "One of the problems you have is he always wants to play, so you have to manage things for him. You have to make the right decision for him and the organization. If you did what he wanted to do, he'd play all the time and you can't do that. You applaud that, but you have to make the right call for everyone involved, including the player." Stuart is presently fifth in the NHL with 33 blocked shots. We'll keep you posted on his status.