The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Anton Stralman to a five-year contract worth $4.5-million per season.
Per @Real_ESPNLeBrun, terms of Stralman deal with #TBLightning $22.5 million over five years
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) July 1, 2014While his offensive totals aren't particularly noteworthy, Stralman has established himself as a reliable possession player with a knack for driving the bus whenever he's out on the ice. Consider that Stralman was the New York Rangers' top possession player among those who suited up for more than 41 games. Combine that with the fact that he played tough minutes against quality competition and you're looking at a great player.
Unsurprisingly, reaction to this signing from both near and far has been almost entirely good. The hockey world as a whole is applauding Yzerman for his work here. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why. With dozens of silly deals being handed out left, right, and center, the Lightning's manager has strategically signed a legitimately useful player to a deal that won't hurt the team's cap situation.
Further, and as mentioned above, Steve Yzerman set out to improve his team's blue line this offseason. With the acquisition of Jason Garrison and the signing of Stralman, he's done exactly that. It's not unreasonable to suggest that the Lightning could compete for the Eastern Conference crown next year. That's something Bolts Nation hasn't been able to say in a long, long time. The Yzerplan is working.
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