from Joe Smith of Lightning Strikes,
While Stralman doesn't know the bay area very well, he knows the team is joining.
"This team really excites me," Stralman said. "I think this team is very promising. It's been real interesting the last few years and obviously Steve Yzerman has done a tremendous job. When you're making your choice, you want to see progress in a team in a positive way, and I think this team has all those good areas.
"I think this team is close to complete. Honestly the forwards, tremendous firepower there, best scorer in the league (Steven Stamkos), can't ask for more really. Defense is solid, they've got some big guys, strong and obviously (Ben) Bishop has been great too. I'm really excited."
Stralman said he spoke with former Rangers teammate Ryan Callahan and fellow Swede Victor Hedman before signing, wanting to confirm all his positive thoughts. Stralman gives Tampa Bay the right-handed shooting, top-four caliber defenseman it needed, and the team provided the veteran with the desired stability.
"It's huge," Stralman said. "That's exactly what we were looking for."
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