Four years ago today, the Washington Capitals signed center Dylan Strome to a one year $3.5 million contract. When the 2026-27 season begins, Strome will be two games away from playing in his 600th NHL game. The cerebral and focused Strome sits just 23 assists away from 300 and 58 points away from 500 career points. Hard to believe that not long ago Strome’s career was in limbo when it would have been hard to believe that he is on the cusp of playing his 600th NHL game.
Strome has been under-appreciated throughout his NHL career. Drafted by the now defunct Arizona Coyotes, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks after playing in just 48 games over 2 and a half seasons. After more than three years in the Windy City, the Blackhawks declined to tender him a contract after the 2021-22 season, making him a free agent. Without any time to plan, Strome had little idea who or if any teams would call.
“My agent was telling me you’re just at the mercy of when you get a call. I was just sitting by the phone, waiting.” - Dylan Strome July of 2022
The Capitals, needing center depth with the hip injury to Nicklas Backstrom not responding as hoped, signed Strome to a one-year $3.5 million contract. By February, 2023, the Caps had seen enough and signed Strome to a 5-year, $25 million extension. In response, Strome has been a stalwart in the lineup and has played the best hockey of his career.
Before signing with the Captials, the most games Strome had ever played in a season was 78 in the 2018-19, the same season he was traded to Chicago. During his four season in Washington, no. 17 has played 81, 82, 82, and 80 games, respectively. Strome has also put up 58 or more points each every year, setting a career high with 82 points in the 2024-25 season.
Strome has been one of the most dependable and consistent players in the lineup. He plays responsible hockey, has developed good chemistry with captain Alexander Ovechkin, and has emerged as a leader in the locker room. After John Carlson and Nic Dowd were traded last March, Dylan stepped up filled the void** , which earned him the right to wear the "A" as an alternate captain.
“He’s sort of morphed into and grown into that role through his experience, through becoming so comfortable in Washington, in our locker room,” Carbery said.
With the addition of forwards Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, the Capitals will be a very tough team to play. Carbery can roll four lines that, which should keep the Caps fresh between shifts and sharper while on the ice, leading to more points. Centering a line with Kyrou on the right side and Ovi on the left, Strome should have a good shot of his those milestones sometime in early spring 2027, if all goes well.
The Caps took a chance on Strome four years ago and he rewarded the franchise by playing the best hockey of his career the last four seasons. He has become a valuable part of the team on the ice. Two games shy of 600, Strome has left that lonely summer day four years ago far behind.
Add us as a preferred source on Google