Anton Stralman, a seasoned NHL defenseman with a remarkable 16-year career, has chosen to return to his native Sweden for the upcoming season. In a recent candid interview, the 36-year-old reflected on his time in the NHL, shedding light on the challenges he faced during his final year with the Boston Bruins.
When Stralman signed a one-year deal with the Bruins, he had expressed his desire for a significant role within the lineup rather than being treated as a temporary addition. However, his expectations were shattered when he spent two months as a healthy scratch on the bench, and eventually found himself demoted to the minors, an unfamiliar territory for him since 2008.
Expressing his disappointment about the experience in Boston, Stralman remarked, "They initially saw it as a temporary arrangement for a few months. Then they disposed of me in the AHL. It leaves you feeling betrayed, as that's not what we had agreed upon. It serves as an example of the cut-throat nature of the league."
Stralman acknowledged that his challenging year with the Bruins epitomized the ruthless reality of the NHL. While he had mostly cherished memories throughout his career, particularly during his stints with the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning, he emphasized the difficulties of balancing personal and professional life in the highly competitive league.
As Stralman looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, he will be joining HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), aiming to continue making an impact on the ice.
