The Rangers had been playing with just six defensemen on the roster, so the signing of Stralman provides some much-needed depth. The 25-year-old has played 212 games over parts of four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was in camp with the New Jersey Devils on a try-out basis, but he was unable to make the team.
Full Transcript: Tortorella
New York -- When John Tortorella was asked about new defenseman Anton Stralman, he responded with the following:
"What does Stralman bring to the club?"
"Who?"
"Your new defenseman."
"No idea."
"Do you have any idea when he'll be available?"
"No idea."
"Any other news on Rupp?"
"Nope."
"Is he on IR?"
"I have no idea."
"How about Wolski's MRI from yesterday?"
"I have no idea."
"Let's try this one: Do you know what line Sean is going to start on?"
"No idea."
"What's your mom's birthday?"
"I have no idea."
"What does Stralman bring to the club?"
"Who?"
"Your new defenseman."
"No idea."
"Do you have any idea when he'll be available?"
"No idea."
"Any other news on Rupp?"
"Nope."
"Is he on IR?"
"I have no idea."
"How about Wolski's MRI from yesterday?"
"I have no idea."
"Let's try this one: Do you know what line Sean is going to start on?"
"No idea."
"What's your mom's birthday?"
"I have no idea."
Stralman spoke to the media after the Rangers' 5-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night about his plans for joining the team.
"I'm really excited," Stralman said. "Obviously, coming in here and getting to know the guys first, then get into the practices again and the game routines. It's been a while so it's going to take a little time here to get back into game shape, but I'm going to work hard to do it.
"I had a rough camp with the Devils so I've been practicing hard. It's different practicing with a Division 1 team (in Sweden) than the NHL, but I'm going to get back pretty quick on that."
The right-handed Stralman has the ability to provide offense from the blue line. In 73 games with the Blue Jackets two seasons ago -- the most he's played in one NHL season -- he had 6 goals and 28 assists, with 4 of the goals coming on the power play.
Stralman returned to his native Sweden after the Devils decided not to sign him, but he's back in New York.
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