Strome wasn't much better in 2016-17 than he was the year before, and the Islanders -- longing for the 2014-15 edition of the 2011 draft’s No. 5 overall pick -- ran out of patience, shipping him off to the Oilers in exchange for Jordan Eberle. Not that skating next to John Tavares (when he got to do so) was a bad gig, but the talented 24-year-old will presumably get a crack at playing alongside superstar Connor McDavid on an Edmonton team that’s thin at right wing. Whether he'll be able to take advantage and return to his 50-point ways of two years ago remains an open question, though, as Strome doesn't have any playing-time guarantees. His performance in training camp may go a long way toward determining his fantasy value for this season.
After scoring 50 points in his first full season in the NHL, expectations were sky-high entering last season for Strome, the fifth-overall selection in 2011. Expectations did not meet reality however, as he contributed just eight goals and a total of 28 points, while his plus-minus plummeted from plus-23 the year before to minus-9 in a season where he was both a healthy scratch on numerous occasions and demoted to AHL Bridgeport. Going forward, Strome will look to right the ship and get back to the productive ways he flashed as a rookie as a member of the Isles’ top-six forward group. All of this, of course, depends on the team’s ability to retain Strome, who is still a restricted free agent. As such, he’s going to want to take every opportunity to prove his worth heading into his next contract, so he might not be the worst player to take a stab at this season given that extra incentive.
In his first full season for the Islanders, Strome quickly demonstated why he was chosen with the fifth overall pick back in 2011. After producing high scoring totals for AHL Bridgeport but delivering underwhelming results during his trial in the NHL in 2013-14, Strome came out with a vengeance this past season, scoring 17 goals and 33 assists for the Isles while being moved around from line-to-line. Strome, like so many others, benefitted by playing alongside John Tavares, but showed a knack for scoring goals even when he wasn't paired with No. 91. He also led the team with a plus-23 rating. At 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, Strome isn’t afraid to throw his body around, aggressively forechecking and creating problems for opponents in their own zone. Likely slotting in with Anders Lee and Frans Nielsen on the team’s second line to begin the upcoming campaign, Strome will look to build off last season’s success as he develops into one of the league’s more dynamic point scorers.
How the Islanders handle Strome during training camp is certainly something worth watching. Strome is a highlight reel waiting to happen, but it’s not yet apparent where he might play. Though he’s a natural center, the Islanders need a top-line wing to join John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, and Strome certainly has the talent to fill that void. The Islanders have resisted the temptation to move Strome to the wing in the past, but with the team already loaded at the center spot, it would seem a waste of the 21-year-old’s abilities to drop him to a checking line. If Strome does indeed end up occupying the left wing spot on the top line, he should also be moved up your draft rankings accordingly. A trio of Tavares, Okposo, and Strome could represent one of the best young lines in the NHL.
Strome is the Islanders top offensive prospect. He has the tools and the talent to be a top-line player. With Niagara of the OHL, he scored 34 goals and added 60 assists in 53 games. He is a player worth watching and is expected to break camp with the Islanders. Another interesting tidbit is that the Isles are toying with the idea of moving him to wing. This transition would allow the team to pair him on the top line with John Tavares and Matt Moulson, forming what could be one of the top 10 scoring lines in the NHL.
Strome could be the crown jewel of the Islanders organization. A top line center that defenses will have to account for, he is a playmaker that could embarrass a defender with his stickhandling at any moment. Strome has scored 63 goals to go with 111 assists over the past two seasons in the OHL, along with being voted in the top three for playmaker, stickhandler, and mental acumen in an OHL poll of Eastern Conference coaches. Islander fans are awaiting his arrival but it still may not be this season as the Isles are being very careful about their top prospect. A strong camp could force their hand but smart money has him making his debut either in the middle of the season, or next year. Strome should definitely be a target for those in keeper leagues, as he's going to a special player.
Strome was the Islanders' first- round pick (5th overall) in this year's NHL draft. He is super talented and could finally be the player that puts the Isles back in the highlight reel as there doesn't seem to be anything he can't do on the ice. Strome had 33 goals and 73 assists in the OHL last season, and is also not afraid to play a physical game as he had 82 PIMs to boot. He is unlikely to begin the season with the Isles as they don't want to rush him, but he is way too talented to stay away from the big club for long. In keeper leagues, he is a player you should be targeting at the draft.
