900-Game NHL Veteran Unexpectedly Signs New Contract After Retiring Last Year
The 900-game NHL veteran Anton Stralman unexpectedly signed a new contract after retiring last year.
At a certain age, hockey players often find it difficult to keep up with the fast-paced rhythm of the NHL. Many choose to transition to leagues in Europe, where they can continue to play at a high level while being closer to home.
20 years after being selected in the NHL draft, the player has officially decided to sign a contract with the Tibro IK in Sweden, his home country.
The last time Stralman was in North America was in the 2022-23 season when he managed to turn a professional tryout into a standard player contract. However, he only ended up playing eight games with the Boston Bruins, and 17 in the AHL, with the Providence Bruins.
Despite the limited action, he showed great dedication and professionalism, qualities that will surely benefit his new team in Sweden.
His NHL journey began when he was drafted 216th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2005, the Swedish defenseman took part in 938 NHL games for the Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, and Boston Bruins in his career.
He had the best season of his career in 2014-15 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, when he tallied 39 points, including nine goals, in 82 games.
With the Tibro IK, Stralman will be in a great position to mentor younger players and contribute to the game in a different capacity.
After a long NHL career, this new contract symbolizes not only a return home but also an opportunity to give back to the game that has defined his career.
By getting back into the sport, fans are starting to wonder if he'll be interested in returning to North America, this time trying out his luck behind a bench rather than on the ice.
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Jordan Staal | 3 | - | 3 | |
| Sidney Crosby | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Ryan McLeod | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Bryan Rust | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Jordan Martinook | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Connor McDavid | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Leon Draisaitl | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Jack Quinn | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Robert Thomas | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Eeli Tolvanen | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Pavel Buchnevich | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Luca Del Bel Belluz | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Adam Fox | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jack Hughes | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jordan Kyrou | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Nathan MacKinnon | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Denton Mateychuk | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brock Nelson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Drew O'Connor | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Golden Knights | 41 | 28 | 10 | 3 | 59 | |
Capitals | 41 | 27 | 10 | 4 | 58 | |
Jets | 42 | 28 | 12 | 2 | 58 | |
Wild | 42 | 26 | 12 | 4 | 56 | |
Maple Leafs | 43 | 27 | 14 | 2 | 56 | |
Devils | 44 | 25 | 15 | 4 | 54 | |
Stars | 40 | 26 | 13 | 1 | 53 | |
Oilers | 41 | 25 | 13 | 3 | 53 | |
Avalanche | 43 | 26 | 16 | 1 | 53 | |
Hurricanes | 42 | 25 | 15 | 2 | 52 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||