After a disappointing first audition with the Arizona Coyotes, Dylan Strome is back in the NHL.
Dylan Strome should be used to the hype surrounding him by now, it’s been following him his entire career. The young center totaled an absurd 114 goals and 240 assists (354 points) in 219 career games in the OHL with the Erie Otters. His profound skillset lead up to him being drafted 3rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in an absolutely loaded 2015 NHL entry draft.
Having Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Noah Hanifin (all NHL mainstays already) as other top five selections in his draft class, Strome was given a pretty lofty label. A dynamic, explosive skater who makes everyone around him a threat, he was expected to break into the league easily with a bang.
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The former third overall pick had been a surprising cut from Arizona’s training camp the past two seasons. For a team looking at a long rebuild, many scratched their head as to why such a highly touted prospect wasn’t given a shot. Strome played a brief seven game stint last season, but was returned to juniors. Being 20 years old this season, being sent back to the OHL wasn’t an option. Strome finally got an opportunity to launch his professional career.
Unfortunately, this attempt was short lived, as he was sent down to AHL Tucson after only two games. Disappointment aside, the youngster had no other choice but to roll up his sleeves and get to work. And work he did.
Strome is the second highest scorer in the AHL
In just 15 AHL games, he has amassed 26 points (8 goals, 18 assists). That is good for second in the league’s scoring race, in which he’s played six games less than the top spot. Not too bad for a rookie in his first year in the pro level. The kid has shown he is worthy of a call up, as he took the demotion in stride. With the Coyotes near the bottom of the league, there’s no harm in trying to light a spark.
It remains to be seen how long the electric forward will stay up, but hopefully he gets a better look. Strome played bottom six minutes in his brief two game stay earlier, not too much room for opportunity. The ‘Yotes have many solid young players in their lineup this season, such as Christian Dvorak and Christian Fischer.
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Strome may even have a chance to play on a line with Calder favorite Clayton Keller. Who knows, maybe the the duo could light a fire for a thus far lackluster Arizona squad. An opportunity like this may just be what Dylan Strome needs to jumpstart his NHL career.