Photo: Eyes On Isles
The Washington Capitals reportedly signed center Dylan Strome to a one-year, $3.5 million contract on Thursday after the Chicago Blackhawks did not tender a qualifying offer to the 25-year-old restricted free agent on Monday.
Sounds like Dylan Strome to WASH, 1x$3.5M. There was a lot of interest
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 14, 2022
Strome tallied 22 goals, 48 points, a 48.87% five-on-five expected goals-for percentage, a 52.3% faceoff-winning percentage, and an average of 2:42 of power-play ice-time per game in 69 games last season. Prior to 2021-22, the pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights earned 17 goals and 51 points in 58 games in 2018-19, 12 goals and 38 points in 58 games in 2019-20, and nine goals and 17 points in 40 games in 2020-21 (though, got tougher matchups with Jonathan Toews out for the season).
He was the third overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
In three of the past four seasons, Strome has earned points-per-game averages of .73, .66, and .7 (this past one). During the pandemic campaign, his point-per-game rate dipped to .43 but that appeared to be an anomaly after a bounce back season and with the circumstances of that campaign.
He earned a 48.28% five-on-five Corsi-for percentage, 48.87% five-on-five expected goals-for percentage, and a 48% five-on-five scoring chances-for percentage last season but was on a team that finished 27th in the NHL. Strome averaged 2:42 on the power play (fifth among Blackhawks forwards).
Strome will likely slide in as the Capitals’ second-line center and could play on the second power play with Nicklas Backstrom out indefinitely after undergoing a hip resurfacing surgery in June.
We originally proposed the idea of signing Strome after the Blackhawks did not qualify him.
After signing Strome $3.5M per @FriedgeHNIC, #ALLCAPS are $5.6M Over Cap w/ full 23 players (15F/6D/2G) on Projected Roster.
Backstrom ($9.2M) to LTIR, could have $3.6M of space. However, if Backstrom returns during season, will need to clear that room.https://t.co/8VhsKIcn4f— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 14, 2022
By Harrison Brown
Now we’re talking
W signing
Roger that!
Longer term would have been nice. Would he qualify as an RFA next year or UFA?
What I’ve seen he will be RFA with arbitration.
now we’re talking. this is a move to get younger and have upside. Unfortunately, would not be surprised if they moved Eller now to make room. Tiger will always live forever in Caps-lore for scoring the Cup winner in 2018
Oh hell yeah!
Eller to Arizona, Chicago or Buffalo? Trade Eller for a minor league left winger. That way you dump Eller’s salary and at the same time, fill a gaping hole for your AHL affiliate
Completely agree with that proposed move. Has to happen.
wow, after the Majo signing had me scratching my head, maybe he was all along going to bundle up Eller and Majo at some point for more draft picks? I like Eller, appreciate his GWG in Game 5, but the writing is on the wall….Caps gotta get cheaper and younger
would have liked to see longer term, but this is the best signing of the FA frenzy by ANY team. fills a need AND a want!
6’3” 200 lbs. Center. Scored 22 goals and 29 assists last year on a pretty bad Blackhawks team. +/- isn’t great. 3rd overall pick in 2015 Draft.
I like it, BMac.
Now how about that weak defense?
Great move!!
Stick taps to Harrison. He nailed this one.
How exactly does LTIR work on the cap?
Very very nice. Caps are improving with this. Somebody will be leaving pretty soon. I wonder who?
I think this says Backy wont play this year… IF he does they will bring him back for the Playoffs like tje Lighting did with Kuch… No Salary Cap in the Playoffs…. But what do I know…
This has nothing to do with Backstrom imo. This is more of an insurance policy in case McMichael doesn’t win the second line center spot. If he does, then Strome can play his wing or third line center- this is why I think Eller won’t get moved until the fall unless a great deal comes calling.
Eller has to be moved to clear salary….and Mojo as well…let protas and mcmichael and lapierre battle it out for 3C
No one does until Backstrom and/or Wilson return.
what kind of role will he play? backy will hopefully be back next year and that leaves 5 centers. after that maybe mcmichael will be ready. how are we going to handle 5 or six centermen next offseason?
I’m from Chicago…. You guys made a great signing with Strome. Very underrated. You will like him. But good luck with Gustafsson… what a stiff! Whoever signed him should be fired!
Yes I’ve heard this a lot over the years but he still keeps getting passed from team to team. Good thing it’s near minimum salary. He will end up in the AHL this or next year probably.
Rgua ua great signing, probably wither 31 or 2 this year for the Caps. best case scenario is Backy retires adn then there is the money to resign Strom long term and trade Eller in a package with MoJo for either a #2 pick or a prospect and a #3 pick and Carlson then resign Orlov and Fehervary and depending on how they do next season and which one of the guys in Hershey is ready maybe resign TVR and Gustafsson.
If Backy retires (Please!!!) we will have NINE MILLION DOLLARS to spend. You can get a lot of improvement with $9M.