900-Game NHL Veteran Who Retired Unexpectedly Signs A New Contract

Professional hockey takes a toll on a player's body, and mind as the wear and tear accumulates. For example, Brad Marchand underwent three surgeries this season but isn't thinking of retiring soon.

Yet, NHL veteran Anton Stralman played 900 games in the NHL and decided to call it a career. Sometimes players decide to move into a less strenuous league in Europe, whether in Sweden, or Switzerland many European players call it quits to give their bodies a rest.

Apparently, 20 years after being drafted into the NHL, Stralman has decided to put his body on the line one more year, this time in Sweden.

He's decided to sign with Tibro IK in Sweden.

Stralman would suit up in the NHL during the 2022-2023 season, where he'd play another season with the Boston Bruins. He turned his PTO into a full-time contract, but before ending his time in the NHL, he'd play eight more games in Boston, and would play 17 in Providence.

His teammates in Sweden will definitely benefit from the veteran's 900-game experience in the NHL, and take note of his professionalism.

Stralman was drafted in 2005 by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 7th round 216th overall.

During his NHL career, he played 938 games split between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Florida Panthers.

His career totals are as follows 293 points ( 63 G, 230 A) and 287 PIMs.

With that wealth of experience, he should be able to pull from playoff experiences to help guide his younger teammates who may aspire to play in the NHL.

This move is great for an NHL veteran like Stralman to have an impact far beyond the North American league and to help develop the next superstar in Sweden.

While staying home with his family and friends, maybe he could leverage this into a coaching gig in North America in the future.