Kyle Dubas checks in on former Leafs defender after injuries continue to pile up
We all know about the terrible injury luck befalling the Leafs during training camp and the preseason. What we didn't know was what the Leafs were planning to do to address the issue. Well, thanks to TSN's Darren Dreger, we have a little more clarity on which options the Leafs may be exploring. Per Dreger, Kyle Dubas has checked in on former Leafs defensemen Anton Stralman, who is currently on a PTO with the Boston Bruins.
The Leafs have defensemen Timothy Liljegren, Jordie Benn and Carl Dahlstrom all sidelined and all are expected to miss significant time. Additionally, veteran defender Jake Muzzin just had his first full practice with the team due to ongoing back tightness.
As Leaf fans will remember, Stralman was originally drafted in the seventh round (216th overall) of the 2005 NHL entry draft by the Maple Leafs. After developing for two years in his native Sweden, the right shot defensemen played two seasons (2007/08 & 2008/09) with the Leafs/Marlies.
In the 2009 offseason, Stralman, along with minor leaguer Colin Stuart and a seventh round draft pick, were dealt to Calgary in exchange for Wayne Primeau and a second round draft pick. Prior to playing a game with the Flames, Stralman was traded to Columbus in exchange for a third round draft pick.
Since that trade, Stralman has played games for the Blue Jackets, Rangers, Lightning, Panthers, and most recently, the Arizona Coyotes. Last season, Stralman averaged just over 21 minutes of ice time over 74 games while playing for the Coyotes. However, the Coyotes finished second last in the entire league last year.
At this stage in his career, the 36-years-old Stralman would be a bottom pairing defensemen at best. If he was to sign in Toronto, it would likely just be for organizational defensive depth in case of injuries.
Over the past 15 years, Stralman has played 930 NHL regular season games, notching 293 career points (63 goals & 230 assists).
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 29 | 254 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas checks in on former Leafs defender after injuries continue to pile up Should the Leafs sign Stralman to a league minimum deal? | ||
| Yes | 142 | 55.9 % |
| No | 112 | 44.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
