DETROIT - Brad Stuart is going to be back to help the Detroit Red Wings defend the Stanley Cup.

The defenceman signed a US$15-million, four-year contract extension with the Red Wings on Tuesday, just before he was set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Stuart's contract includes a no-trade clause for the first two years of the deal and a limited no-trade after that.

Detroit acquired the 28-year-old Stuart from Los Angeles at the trade deadline in February and he helped the team win its fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years last month.

The four-year contract gives Stuart some stability after playing for four teams over the past two seasons. He had 23 points (6-17) in 72 games last season.

Also Tuesday, the Red Wings agreed to terms with goaltender Ty Conklin on a $750,000, one-year contract.

Conklin backed up Marc-Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh last season, going 18-8-5 with a 2.51 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and two shutouts.

Stuart has 229 points (59-170) in 579 career NHL regular-season games.