Former Bruins defenseman calls out the Bruins organization

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Austin Sabourin
July 16, 2023 (1:24 PM)

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Veteran defenseman Anton Stralman, who enjoyed a remarkable 16-year career in the NHL, has decided to take his talents back to his home country of Sweden for the upcoming season.

The 36-year-old recently engaged in a candid interview with a reporter, reflecting on his life in the NHL. While Stralman holds mostly cherished memories, he didn't shy away from discussing the challenges he faced during his final year with the Boston Bruins.

Stralman emphasized that when he signed a one-year deal with the Bruins, he expressed his desire to have a significant role within the lineup rather than being treated as a mere "rental" player.

However, his expectations were quickly shattered when he found himself benched as a healthy scratch for two long months. Subsequently, he was demoted to the minors, marking his first appearance at that level since 2008.

"They initially saw it as a temporary arrangement for a few months. Then they disposed of me in the AHL. It leaves you feeling betrayed, as that's not what we had agreed upon. It serves as an example of the cut-throat nature of the league,"

Stralman remarked, voicing his disappointment about his experience in Boston.

The seasoned defenseman further expressed that his challenging year with the Bruins epitomized the ruthless reality of the NHL.

"On a personal level, it was far from an enjoyable year for me. However, we understand how NHL professionals sound when they complain. I grasp how it may come across. But it serves as an illustration of how things can unfold,"

Stralman candidly shared.

While Stralman acknowledged that the majority of his NHL career was gratifying, particularly during his tenures with the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning, he stressed the difficulties of balancing personal and professional life.

In the NHL, winning is paramount, irrespective of the sacrifices that need to be made.

"People don't care about how they treat you. It's not the dream workplace in terms of treatment and similar aspects. It's a cut-throat business. We are well aware of how it operates. It's tough to compare it to regular working conditions here at home in any field. It's unique. It's far from easy,"

Stralman expressed, shedding light on the realities of the hockey business.

As Stralman embarks on the next chapter of his career, he will be suiting up for HV71 in the highly competitive Swedish Hockey League (SHL), aiming to continue leaving his mark on the ice.