Another Strome brother is off the board.
The Washington Capitals snatched up one of the best remaining forwards on Thursday evening, agreeing to terms with Dylan Strome on a one-year contract worth $3.5 million.
After critically being denied a qualifying offer by the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week, Strome hit the unrestricted free agent market on Wednesday and reportedly garnered plenty of interest, with the 25-year-old ultimately earning a raise over his previous year’s salary.
There is certainly a lot to like with the young centre.
Strome scored at a point-per-game pace through the entire second half of the season in Chicago despite being yo-yo-ed in and out of the lineup and up and down all four lines for most of it. The 2021-22 campaign was a disaster for the Blackhawks organization both on and off the ice and yet the former third-overall pick still managed to produce no matter what role he was given.
That’s extremely impressive, especially when accounting for his circumstances, and should ensure Strome at least manages to maintain his production rate on a team that is actually trying to win hockey games in the foreseeable future.
Are there flaws in his game? Sure. Skating has always been the primary issue with Strome, even dating back to his pre-draft scouting reports. But with some tweaks and a few sessions with the Capitals’ development staff, Strome could iron out that wrinkle and provide valuable forward depth for a team looking to extend its contention window.
On a one-year bet with no commitment, it’s an exciting possibility.