Long-time NHL defenceman leaves North America after 16 seasons
After spending parts of 16 seasons in the National Hockey League, which included stops in seven different cities, defenceman Anton Stralman has decided to return to Europe.
On Saturday, it was revealed that Stralman has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League.
Note: the following quote is translated from Swedish
"I'm really excited. It will be a lot of fun to come to Jönköping and get to play in front of such a dedicated hockey audience as HV71 has. I myself have memories of when my father took me as a child to Rosenlundshallen and we were crowded into the standing room. To now be able to return to something that was part of my upbringing naturally feels awesome. Stralman said.
The 36-year-old was originally drafted by Toronto in the seventh round back in 2005. He went on to appear in 938 games across 16 seasons with the Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes and the Boston Bruins.
In those 938 games, the Tibro native recorded 293 points (63 goals, 230 assists), 287 penalty minutes and was a plus-46. Stralman also had 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 113 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Source: HV71
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