NHL Rumors: 4 Teams Linked To Dylan Strome



As the Chicago Blackhawks continue to clean house, a name that is high on the list of candidates on his way out of town is Dylan Strome. The 25 year old forward had three strong seasons in Chicago and one season where he struggled. He is still young enough and has proven enough to warrant a decent return as well as hope he will provide good value for his salary on a team interested in acquiring him.

The four teams brought up by The Fourth Period that have been linked to the Blackhawks regarding Strome are the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks.

We'll start with the Senators. They just acquired a high-end forward in Alex DeBrincat from the Blackhawks, but around the same time the Senators also bought out the contract of Colin White, a centerman. Strome happens to play center, but can also play the wing. Whether it be on the second or third line, Strome has chemistry with DeBrincat that would warrant interest as the Senators are done rebuilding.

As for the Maple Leafs, they are set to lose Ilya Mikheyev to free agency. Strome, a restricted free agent, made $3 million on his last bridge deal and should get around the same money and length as his last two-year, $6 million deal. He is more affordable and they have gotten in the habit of bringing in affordable depth to surround their core. Taking a chance on Michael Bunting, Ondrej Kase, and David Kampf worked out, so they will need to approach the offseason in a similar way.

The Blue Jackets are a little bit further ahead than the Ducks in terms of rebuilding and being able to compete, but neither should make the playoffs next season. Interest in a player like Strome who they could get at a cheaper price and add to their young group is smart. The Blackhawks' forward scored 63 goals and 160 points in his last four seasons (245 games) and has proven he can play at a high level with talented players. Both the Blue Jackets and the Ducks have the picks/prospects required to get a deal done, though it shouldn't cost too much.

Strome is definitely on the move, but we will have to wait and see how soon and to which team.

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