The Boston Bruins signed Anton Stralman to a professional tryout earlier this week. The Bruins have opted to give the veteran defenseman a shot at a roster spot, and so far, Stralman has impressed.
Stralman is a steady, reliable defenseman who plays a two-way, mainly defensive game. Yesterday, Stralman played alongside fellow Swede, Hampus Lindholm, on the first pair. Stralman logged a total of 25 shifts, along with a total ice-time of 18:30.
Stralman is a player that the Bruins can acquire for cheap and play with the Bruins' top-4 till the return of injured defenders Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk. while also fitting in nicely as a top-6 player once fully healthy.
The Bruins should utilize the Swede in many different areas of the game. Like stated, Stralman is a reliable player that can play alongside a top penalty kill unit. Last night, the vet logged just over two minutes of work.
Stralman may not be as offensively gifted as other candidates fighting for a spot on the Bruins' roster. For example, Jakub Zboril or Connor Clifton. But he does play a steady, physical game.
The Swedish defender has logged over 900 games in the National Hockey League with the Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets, Rangers, Lightning, Panthers, and Coyotes.