Defenseman Anton Stralman joined the Rangers a few weeks into the season last year, after the organization went looking for depth following a slow recovery for Marc Staal and an injury to Mike Sauer in the preseason. With few numbers to choose from, the Swedish native went with #32 in his first year with the Blueshirts.
A solid post season that saw him net three goals and three assists while appearing in all 17 games, he earned himself a second season patrolling the Rangers’ blueline and per Jim Cerny on Twitter:
The move sees him return to the #6 he wore when with the Blue Jackets (and likely what he would have worn with the Maple Leafs if they hadn’t retired it for Ace Bailey, instead settling on #36).
The last Ranger to wear #6 was Jeff Woywitka last year, who assumed the number from Wade Redden who last wore it in 2009-10 before he was sent to the AHL.
PIT
CBJ
PHI