Lightning sign D Anton Stralman to 5-year, $22.5M deal
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The Tampa Bay Lightning rewarded former New York Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman for a strong playoff performance with a five-year deal worth $22.5 million.
Anton Stralman lands with #TBLightning on five-year deal.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2014
Correction on Stralman contract with Lightning: It's $22.5 M over 5 years
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 1, 2014
Stralman's offensive numbers don't inspire excitement, but he was one of New York's top defensemen last season. The 27-year-old led team defenders in Corsi for percentage while playing on the second pairing with Marc Staal during the regular season.
Stralman was even more effective in the playoffs, when he and Staal faced more defensive zone starts and tougher opposition while helping the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
Update: The team has made the deal official.
#TBLightning sign defenseman Anton Stralman to five-year contract. Release: http://t.co/3pQcoo1PsV pic.twitter.com/Ghc5tNsFSd
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2014