In the high-stakes world of the NHL, early expectations can make or break a young prospect’s career trajectory. For Dylan Strome, the third overall pick in the 2015 draft, the pressure to perform was immense from day one. But after facing daunting challenges and the dreaded “bust” label early on, Strome has emerged as the Washington Capitals’ unexpected offensive catalyst, powering their push for Stanley Cup contention.
The Roller Coaster Begins
Strome’s NHL journey started with towering expectations as a top draft pick of the Arizona Coyotes. But his transition proved rockier than anticipated, as he bounced between the NHL and AHL, notching just 7 goals and 16 points over parts of three seasons. The “bust” whispers grew louder, especially as high-profile peers like Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel thrived.
A trade to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018 offered a fresh start and reunited Strome with junior hockey linemate Alex DeBrincat. The duo recaptured their magic, and Strome broke out with 17 goals and 51 points in just 58 games. But the roller coaster ride continued, as he faced healthy scratches and dwindling ice time before the Blackhawks ultimately let him walk in free agency.
Perseverance Pays Off
Strome’s unwavering self-belief and relentless work ethic would be the key to his redemption story. Former Blackhawks interim head coach Derek King witnessed his determination firsthand:
“He put his nose to the grindstone and said, ‘I can do this and I’m going to do it,’ and he just worked hard. When it was game time he would knuckle down, and he took advantage when he got his chance.”
– Derek King, Former Blackhawks Interim Head Coach
Strome credits his family, especially his father, for keeping him positive through the lows. And when the Capitals offered a one-year, prove-it deal in the summer of 2022, he was ready to show the hockey world his true potential.
Finding His Superpowers in Washington
In a top-six role with the Capitals, Strome has flourished beyond even the most optimistic projections. He’s Washington’s leading scorer since joining the team, second only to Alex Ovechkin in goals. His vision, poise with the puck, and 200-foot game have elevated the Caps into Stanley Cup contenders.
Capitals forward Conor Sheary, who has developed a close bond with Strome on and off the ice, marvels at his overlooked skill and competitive drive:
“He’s an incredibly smart hockey player. He’s got great vision, he’s an incredible playmaker and he’s really strong on his stick; he rarely misses a pass. And those kind of things add up throughout a game where, if you can just get it in his area, and he’s able to handle it or make a play, it’s pretty impressive, and his poise with the puck when he does get it, is something that you can’t really teach.”
– Conor Sheary, Capitals forward
Strome’s growth and maturity, forged through early adversity, is also evident off the ice. Sheary shared that Strome’s encyclopedic hockey knowledge makes him a “hockey nerd” who can rattle off any player’s stats on command. That deep understanding of the game may foreshadow a future front office role.
The Best Is Yet to Come
Now thriving in an environment that has empowered him to reach his lofty potential, Strome reflects on his unconventional path to stardom with the Capitals:
“I think I’m pretty close to what I thought I would be as a player. It took a little longer than I thought to be a guy that’s consistently in the lineup every day…But I also feel like that’s what I thought I could do the best in the NHL and now it looks pretty close to what I’ve become.”
– Dylan Strome
As the Capitals charge towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Strome’s emergence as a bona fide star is the engine powering their championship aspirations. His journey is proof that sometimes the road less traveled – marked by detours, roadblocks, and unwavering resilience – can still lead to hockey’s ultimate destination. For Dylan Strome and the Washington Capitals, the best chapters of their story may be yet unwritten.
