1. Strome’s revival
Rewind back to Nov. 2018, when the New York Rangers pulled the trigger on a one-for-one trade by sending Ryan Spooner to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Ryan Strome.
Back then Strome was in very real danger of becoming a hockey vagabond, a once highly-touted prospect facing the serious threat of burning out and becoming entrenched in NHL obscurity.
Strome arrived back in the Big Apple – he was drafted by the New York Islanders with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft – with just two points in 18 games and question marks over what he would exactly bring to the table for the Blueshirts.
Fast forward to the present day, however, and Strome has been nothing short of a revelation during his stint on Broadway, which started with 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists) in 63 games last year.
Even that wasn’t enough to silence some of the doubters who were quick to suggest that Strome should be used as trade bait, something I was dubious about.
And, for those critics who warned not to expect much production from a 26-year-old center, well, it is fair to say that they have also been silenced so far.
Because Strome has been lights out for the Rangers this year, putting up 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points through 38 games.
And the forward produced arguably his best game in a Rangers uniform against the Toronto Maple Leafs, finishing the night with a four-point showing (two goals, two assists).
Both of his goals were highlight-reel plays with the first a spectacular effort to beat Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen with a backhand, while his second goal was an absolute ripper of a slapshot that gave Andersen no chance.
And then there were the assists, both of which carried extreme importance. Strome slid a perfect dish over to Brett Howden for the game’s first goal, before having the state of mind to throw a sublime breakout pass to Artemi Panarin that led to Tony DeAngelo’s overtime winner.
It was just a stellar display from Ryan Strome who seems to have found the ideal home at Madison Square Garden, and he’s fast establishing himself as a cornerstone piece of this rebuild.
Strome is also ranked tied ninth in the NHL in primary assists this season with 18, while he is tied for 17th in points per game this year with 0.92, two stats that perfectly illustrate just how effective the forward has been this season.