Capitals find their 2C in Dylan Strome

We can now get a better idea of what the Washington Capitals opening night lineup could look like with the acquisition of center Dylan Strome to a one year, $3.5 million contract. And he’s young at 25.

Storme recorded 48 points in 69 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season with 22 goals and 26 assists. The six foot three, 200 pound forward established single season career highs in goals and games played and averaged a career best 17:26 minutes of ice time last season. He ranked third on the team in goals and fourth in assists and points.

Strome was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes with the third overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. He recorded a career high 57 points in 78 games with 20 goals and 37 assists in 78 games with Arizona and Chicago in 2018-19.

A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Strome averaged 0.68 points per game in parts of four seasons with the Blackhawks from 2018-19 to 2021-22, which was ranked fifth on the team in that stretch.

In 273 career NHL games with Arizona and Chicago, Strome recorded 170 points with 67 goals and 103 assists. On the international stage Strome has represented Team Canada at the 2019 World Championship, earning a silver medal and at the 2017 and 2016 World Junior Championships, earning a silver medal at the 2017 tournament.

Connor Brown was teammates with Strome when they played together on the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2013-14 season.

This was a home run by Brian MacLellan. But the moves haven’t stopped yet. The Caps are now $6,321,666 over the cap (per Cap Friendly) so a trade or something is going to happen soon. Maybe it’s Lars Eller as the forward lines are a little tricky if Connor McMichael is indeed the 3C.

Let’s try this again:

Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Oshie

Brown-Strome-Johansson

Mantha-McMichael-Sheary

AJF-Dowd-Hathaway

I’ll have a more detailed opening night lineup projection later this summer when we’re all bored. But I got Strome at second center between newly acquired Connor Brown and Marcus Johansson. Why not?

If this is indeed the end for Eller in D.C. he can come back anytime he wants because he’ll never have to buy a drink again. That’s what comes from scoring the game winning, Cup clinching goal. Now let’s get another.