Anton Strålman
Anton Strålman is one of the most intriguing players in free agency this season. He gets lost on a stacked Tampa Bay Lightning team that has Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh also on defense. However, Stralman is a player that’s still really, really good.
The issue with Stralman is his age. He’s already 32 years old, so history tells us this is when he starts declining, however he’d be amazing if the Devils could sign him to a short-term deal. If they don’t sign their rights to him until he turns 36, they should be in good shape.
Stralman could either be a player who makes a reasonable amount after making a good living with the Lightning, or a team that misses out on Karlsson might give him all of the money. He’s making $6 million per season right now. The Devils should not look to go that high for him this offseason, but if he’s willing to take, say, $4 million AAV, then the Devils should be in the discussion.
Stralman would be a perfect compliment on the top line with Damon Severson. That would allow Sami Vatanen to play with Will Butcher on the second line, and puts Andy Greene with rookies Ty Smith or Jeremy Davies on the third line. This is all barring injury, but this looks like a stacked defense.
This would also allow Smith and Davies and even Butcher more time to develop into better players before someone has to ascend to the first line. If the Devils decide to draft a defenseman with their 1st-round pick, then that’s even better. If Stralman is willing to sign for one or two years at around $4 million, this is a deal the Devils should jump on. If he wants more, they should pass.