Chicago Blackhawks’ Newcomer of The Season: Dylan Strome

The Chicago Blackhawks had many newcomers this year, but none of them made an impact like Dylan Strome. His instant chemistry with former Erie Otters teammate, Alex DeBrincat, and hunger for success made him the Blackhawks’ newcomer of the year.

The Blackhawks got the better end of the deal when they sent Nick Schmaltz to the Arizona Coyotes in return for Dylan Strome [and Brendan Perlini]. Both players, who needed a change of scenery, thrived off of the respected players on their new team. General manager Stan Bowman brought fans back into his corner when he saw the potential in the promising forward.

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Strome Needed Change

Strome wasn’t doing well in Arizona. He had three goals and three assists in 20 games, which isn’t ideal for a third overall pick. He seemed uninterested in the desert and needed a fresh start somewhere new. It turns out, he got just what he needed when he came to Chicago.

In Chicago, Strome struck gold. In 58 games, Strome scored 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points, making him the fifth highest scorer on the roster. He achieved instant success, becoming a fan favorite when his chemistry was rekindled with Alex DeBrincat, his former teammate from the Erie Otters.

The Blackhawks instantly thrived off of Strome, as he added major depth to their top-six. Not to mention, the newcomer scored two game winning goals and got the trust of the coaches, playing 17:04 of ATOI.

Strome is what this team needed. A fresh identity, someone who can come into the city, show that they’re capable of changing their career trajectory, and be that person who can appeal to prospects, or other players, who are looking for a new home.

He proved that this city is worth playing for, and for that, we’re grateful.

He’s a fresh character that wants to spend the rest of his career in Chicago. Who knows what would’ve happened if we kept Schmaltz? Would he have picked up the pace, or would he have been traded down the line?

Either way, those hypotheticals don’t matter. We have a high-scoring depth player in Strome, and they don’t.

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