Stuart is rooting for Moore to go high

Mark Stuart is the highest drafted player in Colorado College hockey history, but he wouldn't mind losing that distinction.

Stuart doesn't know John Moore personally, although he said he has heard from others Moore is a "really good kid." Stuart was picked 21st overall by Boston in the 2003 NHL draft, a mark Moore could break Friday. Stuart said he's rooting for Moore to go higher than he did. 

"I hope he goes first overall," Stuart said. "He's a CC kid and we've got to stick together."

Stuart is coming off a solid season, his second full year in the NHL. His team was successful while he was on the ice (he was plus-20) and he played all 82 games for a Bruins team that finished with the most regular-season points in the Eastern Conference.

Stuart said it was exciting to see the city of Boston rally behind the team, but losing to Carolina in the conference semifinals made the season bittersweet.

"It's still disappointing," Stuart said. "I don't think it will stop until we play again in September."

Stuart said he is planning to work on his all-around game, honing his offensive skills while keeping in mind he is primarily a stay-at-home defenseman. He said he'd like to get a shot at the 2010 U.S. Olympic team, although his chances of being selected are admittedly a long shot.

As for Moore, he was unaware he had a chance to be the highest drafted player in CC history. Moore said he has a lot of respect for Stuart.

"It would be a great accomplishment," Moore said. "He had a great college career and has had a great career in the NHL."