Jackets acquire Anton Stralman

by Mike MacLean on Sep 28, 2009 5:53 PM EDT

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The Jackets swung a deal today to acquire a puck-moving blueliner, trading a 2010 third round pick to the Flames for Anton Stralman. Stralman is a right-handed shooter who can quarterback the powerplay. He has a howitzer of a slapshot, and has a lot of offensive upside.

Here's his scouting report on The Hockey News:

ASSETS: Has plenty of puck poise and on-ice maturity. Owns a projectable frame and offensive upside. Is good on the power play point due to a hard shot.

FLAWS: Needs to add more bulk in order to better defend against big forwards in North America. Must adjust quickly to the faster pace of the NHL, and avoid big hits.

CAREER POTENTIAL: Top four defenseman.

I like this move a lot. He's young, fills an obvious hole on the PP, and came at a relatively cheap price. Check out this end-to-end rush from when he was a member of the Leafs:

Here's hoping we can see some of that in Columbus this season. Along with this move, the Jackets also released Martin Skoula from his tryout agreement. I now turn my thoughts to how the pairings will shake out. Maybe something like:

Tyutin - Klesla

Commodore - Hejda

Russell - Stralman

Methot

Tyutin - Stralman

Klesla - Commodore

Russell - Hejda

Methot

How do you feel the pairings will end up? Hit the comments!

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I’m thinking

Hejda – Commodore
Tyutin – Stralman
Russell – Klesla

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by Clint Clark on Sep 28, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions

He’s a good pick-up and from a Flames’ POV, I hate it. He’s not really physically ready to play against the other teams’ top guys yet, but he should be a good second or third pair D at even strength, and a boon on the PP. He had a good camp, and in all honesty, if he wouldn’t have needed to clear waivers, Calgary likely never trades him. I would have preferred to waive Kronwall and keep Stralman myself, but Kronwall’s one-way contract apparently outweighed any actual on-ice performance, I guess. Howson did well here, but having watched him from his days in Edmonton, I’m not surprised. He’s done a very good job for the Jackets, IMO.

by Robert Cleave on Sep 28, 2009 6:48 PM EDT reply actions

As far as league stats go, Stralman currently sits 1 point above the league average (11) in defensmen comparisons for assists with 12. Paired up with the right partner, (my opinion Russell), Stralman has the potential to become a noticable player with the right investment in time and familiarity with the pace of the NHL. Also if he were to pull a Filitov and bulk up.

Those arn't dents, they're goals!!!!!

by TESTIFY!! on Sep 28, 2009 6:51 PM EDT reply actions

For the record, he was the best “non-roster” defenseman in the Flames camp this pre-season and I can’t really fathom why the organization would trade him for a lottery ticket like a 3rd round pick.

He’ll likely be an asset to your power play.

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by Kent Wilson on Sep 28, 2009 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

Love this move. Very exciting. Love the fact that it’s so unexpected, as well.

As usual, early indications are that Howson has done very well here.

Stralman is still so young and has a chance to grow with our team, but at the same time can fill an immediate need. Perfect.

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by Andy Newman on Sep 28, 2009 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Commodore – Hejda
Tyutin – Stralman
Klesla – Russell
Methot

I like having Commodore and Hejda together. Plus I think Russell can learn by playing with Rusty. Bring on Saturday night!

"It’s tough," Martinez said. "This is my house. This is my home."
We'll miss you, Vic

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Sep 28, 2009 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

I think you guys got a real gem here. From the POV of a Flames fan I hate this move since I thought Stralman had legitimately won a spot on the opening night roster and a 3rd rounder is a cheap price to pay for him.

Gratz.

by Parallex on Sep 28, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

Great pick up for Howson

He’s been after Stralman for awhile now.

http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/09/29/0929jaxtrade.html?sid=101

He says he’s not really aware of the situation here in Columbus, but he’ll soon find out.

"It’s tough," Martinez said. "This is my house. This is my home."
We'll miss you, Vic

by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Sep 29, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

As a Leafs fan I can say you guys picked up a solid player in Stralman. He has some good legs, can get to top speed in a few quick strides, his shot is bang on. While carrying the puck he has good poise, which will only get better as he gets more playing time. We were hopeful Kaberle would groom him a bit more. If the Kaberle for Kessel rumours from the draft actually happened, I bet he’d still be a Leaf. The only real deterrent, as Calgary found, was his waiver eligibility. If he can crack your top 6, and tack on 15-20lbs of muscle, playing with a more defencive dman, and you’ll have yourselves a good offensive dman.

hope he works out, I liked him.

by Johnny Thunder on Sep 29, 2009 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

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