Anton Stralman also seems to have toughened up from being this frail skill defenseman who could occasionally lay out a big random hit to a pretty savvy, grizzled playoff workhorse.
Definitely a good example. Was skilled but 'soft' in his early career, though part of his problem was due to a reoccurring health issue. Once Strålman got to the Rangers, the NY doctors cleared up his health problems and Tortorella reshaped the way he played. More than once, Strålman has credited Tortz for his career turnaround.
Now he's the Lightning's smallest defenseman (5'11" 190 lbs) who lays the most hits of all the D on the regular roster. Though his offensive game slumped a bit this season (probably because he was dealing with injury issues during the first part of the season) he still managed to set a career high in hits, blocks and TOI. Doesn't fight much, but is not afraid to dig into the corners, finish a hit and has a nice old school hip check mixed with the occasional open ice hit.
During the IIHF Worlds, he and Hedman were Sweden's top pairing and took turns at having the team high in TOI for each game throughout the tournament. Even dished out a beautiful clean, solid hip check during the Gold Medal game.
Not bad for someone who, when we first signed him, we were warned probably wouldn't be tough enough to physically handle top pairing minutes.
Now if only we could get our 'soft' 6'7", 220 lb. Dman Sustr, to hit now and then.