Blackhawks: Should Dylan Strome Be Re-Signed?

The Chicago Blackhawks need to re-sign forward Dylan Strome to a long-term deal to secure the future of this franchise.

Since joining the Chicago Blackhawks, Dylan Strome has turned his career around. Of the 105-points he has in the NHL, 89 of them have come in Chicago. Strome has always been a talented player, he just needed a change of scenery to let that show.

Even though Strome missed time due to injury in 2019-20, he is still a solid player for this team. Strome missed 12-games this season, but still managed to put up 38-points in the 58-games he played in. The numbers regressed from 2018-19, but he still was solid, filtering between the second and third lines throughout the year.

A fully healthy Strome doesn’t regress in 2020-21. Since he did have a season where his numbers dropped, he might be re-signed for a shorter deal, which is worth less-money than he would have had if he blew up the stat sheet.

Strome should be offered at least a 3-year deal, worth around $3,500,000 AAV. The Hawks can afford that, especially if they move a contract, like Olli Maatta’s or Zack Smith’s.

Strome is only 23, he will improve with time. It would be a huge mistake if the team traded him (because he is an RFA) instead of re-signing him.

Next season, the team needs to put Strome back with DeBrincat and Kane. All three players will improve off of their seasons where they put up fewer points than the year prior. The future is bright in Chicago, but they have to keep the key pieces, like Strome, there to be successful.