Dylan Strome Linked to Four Teams Where He Could be Traded
As NHL rumors fly, so does Dylan Strome's name. He has been the subject of trade talk for a while now. So, where is he possibly being traded to this time?
It appears, according to Mark Easson of nhlrumors.com that Strome could be headed to these four NHL teams if the Hawks decide to move him.
He is due a qualifying offer, and with just nine days until free agency begins, nothing has happened... yet.
Strome is taking it in stride, as most NHL players must as they have no control (for the most part) concerning their fate.
He said as much to Mark Laserus of theathletic.com.
«It's kind of up to them,» he said. «There's nothing I can do about it now.»
So, let's run down the four teams Strome may be headed to and see if there is a fit for him.
1) Ottawa Senators - They have the excess cap space coming in at $23.3 million and are looking for a good forward to supplement their hopeful rise in the standings. Strome was paid $3 million AAV, and could definitely help a young team like the Sens make some progress.
Strome's 22 goals, 26 assists with a 0.70 points per game average has to attract the Sens meager offensive output. They only averaged 2.73 goals a game, placing them 26th in the NHL. Strome could surely help their cause.
2) Columbus Blue Jackets - They also have adequate cap space with $19.5 million in the coiffures to sign some free agents. With only four 20-goal scorers on their roster, the Blue Jackets could always use another scorer. They did rank 14th in scoring in the league with a 3.15 goals per game average. Strome could also fit right in here.
3) Toronto Maple Leafs - Let's face it, the Leafs are a scoring machine placing second in scoring with 3.80 goals per game. The largest issue when discussing adding any player to the Leafs roster is salary cap space. Strome would be most certainly deserving a raise from his $3 million paycheck if he goes to free agency.
The Toronto club currently only has $6.44 million in cap space. They also need to determine the status of goalie Jack Campbell, who wants about $5 million to stay in Toronto. Then, there's young blueliner Rasmus Sandin who is a RFA and will need a new contract. It seems GM Kyle Dubas has his work cut out for him. It doesn't seem that Strome would fit in well here, but the Leafs are rumored to be interested in a lot of free agents. Doubt Strome is one of them.
4) Anaheim Ducks - The Ducks are an up-and-coming young team who could certainly use a forward with Strome's skills to move forward. With a treasure chest of $39.4 million in cap space, they can get their free agent shopping cart going in most any direction. It would seem that Strome could really fit in here the most, besides Ottawa, in helping a team headed to elevated spaces succeed.
The Ducks' meager offense just produced 2.78 goals a game, ranking them 24th. While Strome can score, is he the Ducks solution? With that much cap space, GM Pat Verbeek will have numerous options. Whether Strome is one of them will be answered in a little over a week.
Fasten your seat belts, NHL fans, this is going to be FUN!
| POLL | ||
Where do you think Dylan Strome will be traded to? | ||
| Ottawa Senators | 42 | 26.4 % |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 31 | 19.5 % |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 53 | 33.3 % |
| Anaheim Ducks | 33 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
