The Chicago Blackhawks and restricted free-agent center Dylan Strome managed to come to an agreement on a new deal just in time for the start of training camp.
The team confirmed on social media that Strome inked a two-year deal that will keep him with the Blackhawks through the 2021-22 NHL season at least. The 23-year-old player is set to earn $3 million annually.
After the news was made official, Chicago’s general manager Stan Bowman said that he is excited by the deal and hopes Strome will build on a promising past two seasons in a Blackhawks jersey.
“He has great offensive instincts and brings creativity and skill to our team,” said Bowman. “We are thrilled he is now signed and able to join us tomorrow for the start of training camp.”
The Blackhawks acquired Dylan Strome in 2018 in a trade that saw them send Nick Schmaltz to the Arizona Coyotes. Despite largely struggling with the Coyotes, Strome immediately impacted Chicago and contributed with 51 points (17 goals and 34 assists) in his first season with the Blackhawks.
Strome wasn’t as prolific in 2019-20 but still managed to deliver a solid campaign. In 58 games, he scored 12 goals and dished 26 assists for a total of 38 points.
The Blackhawks now expect Strome to take an even more prominent role on the roster, especially as the team is dealing with the absence of several key players. This includes Kirby Dach and Alex Nylander, who will both miss a significant part of the season with long-term injuries.
