With the surprising news now confirmed that Dylan Strome will not receive a qualifying offer from Chicago, he will hit unrestricted free agency at the age of 25. The center put up 22 goals and 46 points as the center between Alex Debrincat (now traded) and Patrick Kane (likely to be traded at the deadline), and getting close to a point per game in the second half of the season. In terms of center targets, the Rangers could do a lot worse than Dylan Strome.
It’s no surprise that the Rangers are in the market for a cost controlled middle six center. Filip Chytil and Barclay Goodrow are currently penciled into the lineup in those spots, and the Rangers could certainly use another scoring center. They have been all over the rumor mill, and while they haven’t been connected to the younger Strome yet, it’s likely someone will mention that Chris Drury kicked the tires at some point.
Strome, the #3 overall pick in 2015, has been a relatively consistent 40-50 point scorer the last four seasons. There was a lot of hype because of his high draft status, but that kind of production isn’t something to frown at. It’s a bit odd that Chicago didn’t qualify him at $3.6 million, but nothing Chicago has done has made sense this offseason.
With Strome, you know what you’re getting. He’s all offense, minimal defense. In the right role, likely replacing his older brother in this scenario, the Rangers could certainly do a lot worse. What is interesting is that his defensive numbers suggest he limits quality, but struggles with quantity against. That fits right in with the Rangers and their numbers last season.
The preference is to find someone a little more well rounded, but those players aren’t free agents and cost a lot to acquire via trade. Strome’s projected 3 years, $4.59 million contract, per Evolving-Hockey, is one the Rangers can afford beyond next season, even if it’s a little tight. Plus, they won’t have to delete off the roster to acquire him.
Strome isn’t the best option, but he’s certainly an intriguing one that may alter Drury’s game plan. It’s still expected that he makes a trade to upgrade at center, but if he has to fall back and sign someone, he could do a lot worse than Strome. Plus, there’s the added benefit of just telling Artemiy Panarin that it’s Ryan,
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