Anton Strålman
Swedish defenceman who played five seasons for Tampa Bay Lightning.
Anton Strålman is a former Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is notable for his tenure with the Lightning from 2014 to 2019, during which he set career highs in goals, assists, and points while helping the team reach the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1986-08-01
- Birth Place
- Tibro, Sweden
- Height Ft
- 5
- Height In
- 11
- Weight Lb
- 190
- Position
- Defence
- Shoots
- Right
- Played For
- Timrå IK / Toronto Maple Leafs / Columbus Blue Jackets / New York Rangers / Tampa Bay Lightning / Florida Panthers / Arizona Coyotes / Boston Bruins / HV71
- Ntl Team
- SWE
- Draft
- 216th overall
- Draft Year
- 2005
- Draft Team
- Toronto Maple Leafs
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Strålman signed a five-year, $22 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on 1 July 2014 as an unrestricted free agent, leaving the New York Rangers. In his first season with the Lightning, he played on the first defensive unit with fellow countryman Victor Hedman and set career highs in goals (nine), assists (30), and points (39). The Lightning reached the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, defeating Strålman's former team, the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers, in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games. On 27 November 2015, Strålman played his 500th career NHL game in a 2–4 loss to the Washington Capitals. On 25 March 2016, he suffered a non-displaced fracture of his left fibula during a 7–4 win over the New York Islanders, causing him to miss the last eight games of the regular season and the first two rounds of the 2016 playoffs. He returned for the third round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which the Lightning lost in seven games, one win short of a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Reader's Guide
Anton Strålman's five seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning marked a significant period in his career, as he achieved personal bests in offensive production while playing a key role on the team's top defensive pairing. His arrival in 2014 coincided with the Lightning's run to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, where they fell to the Chicago Blackhawks. The following season, despite a fractured fibula that sidelined him for part of the regular season and early playoffs, he returned to help the Lightning reach the Eastern Conference Final, again falling one win short of the Stanley Cup Final. Strålman's tenure with the Lightning is remembered for his steady defensive play and his partnership with Victor Hedman, which contributed to the team's deep playoff runs. After leaving Tampa Bay in 2019, he continued his NHL career with the Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, and Boston Bruins before returning to Sweden to play for HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League.
Did You Know?
- Strålman was drafted 216th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL entry draft.
- He was named a candidate for the 2006 Elitserien Rookie of the Year award.
- Strålman helped Sweden win gold at the 2017 IIHF World Championship with a 2–1 victory over Canada.
- He played in his 500th career NHL game on 27 November 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anton Strålman?
Anton Strålman is a Swedish-born defenceman, born on August 1, 1986, who spent five NHL seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning between 2014 and 2019. He was originally selected in the seventh round (216th overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2005.
What was Anton Strålman's role on the Lightning?
He served as a depth defenceman who could reliably contribute offensively, setting personal career highs in goals, assists, and total points during his time in Tampa Bay. His two-way play helped round out the back end of the Lightning's defensive corps.
How long did Anton Strålman play for Tampa Bay?
Strålman was with the Lightning for five full seasons, from 2014 through 2019. His deal was a five-year contract worth $22 million.
Did Anton Strålman make the playoffs with the Lightning?
Yes. He was part of the roster that advanced to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, where Tampa Bay ultimately fell short of the championship.
Why do Lightning fans remember Anton Strålman?
Fans recall him as a steady, hard-working Swedish defender who consistently put up career-best numbers and gave the team reliable minutes at the back end. His five-year stretch in Tampa remains a notable chapter in his otherwise multi-team NHL career.
More in Tampa Bay Lightning Players 1-24
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