Dylan Strome THW Close-Up:

Date of birth: 3/7/1997

Place of birth: Mississauga, ON, CAN

Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 187 lbs

Shoots: Left

Position: C

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2015

Twitter: @stromer19

THW The Next Ones Rankings (February): 5

Other Rankings:

THW War Room Rankings (January): 5

Future Considerations: 4

Last Word On Sports (February): 5

Craig Button: 3

CS Final Rankings for North American skaters (January): 1

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Last year, Dylan Strome showed flashes of brilliance, but only managed a measly 39 points in 60 games for the Erie Otters. This season is a completely different story. The offensive juggernaut has 116 points in 64 games so far with the OHL season wrapping up shortly. When Connor McDavid went down with a broken wrist, Strome was the ‘go-to’ guy for offense and he didn’t disappoint.

I had my concerns early on that Strome’s offensive production was more McDavid helping him out than Strome doing it on his own. It was evident as the season progressed that Strome has that NHL level skill that scouts drool over.

The height (6’3″) isn’t as much a concern as the weight (187 lbs), but even that hasn’t held Strome back. Sturdy on his skates, Strome weaves easily through the neutral zone dangling around defenders at top speed. He makes plays that make you do a double take.

Strome sees the play develop so well that he knows the precise time to dish a perfect pass to an opponent for a shot. He’s scored 39 goals to date, but his playmaking ability is what stands out to me. In a maze of sticks, Strome can find the open seams and deliver deadly accurate passes. The height advantage allows him to protect the puck to the outside, where he is known to beat defenders.

While Connor McDavid is at the forefront, you shouldn’t really scoff at Dylan Strome. He’s been a cornerstone for the Otters franchise also and the two just might end up being selected within a few picks from each other.

Where Will He End Up In June:

While McDavid and Eichel have staked spots #1 and #2, Strome very well could be a top three pick. If he drops he likely won’t fall out of the top five.

Scout’s Honor:

“Elite offensive forward…a big forward who moves well, and demonstrated some very good power and speed…is tough to contain as he used his speed, strength and creativity to beat defenders…has great vision with the puck and sees the ice very well…uses his crafty hands to dance around defenders and get into positions where he could shoot or set-up teammates…distributes the puck well and is able to create a lot of chances…has a lethal wrist-shot with great power and a pretty good release…uses his size and reach on the boards to win the puck and get in good supporting areas to pick up loose pucks…defensive effort goes up and down. (August 2014)”

Future Considerations

“A smart, good skating, center who can not only make plays but can finish them also. Reads the play so very well and he gets himself into positions where he can take advantage and be a threat. He’s multi-dimensional in that he can play two-ways, can play a skill game, can play a ‘heavy’ game but regardless of the situations he plays a game where he contributes in some way, some fashion.”

Craig Button – TSN.ca

“A versatile forward, Strome spent some time at all three forward spots over the last two seasons. He gives the Otters the versatility to load up a top line with McDavid when they really need a goal or on a powerplay, but is mostly used at centre where he creates a 1-2 punch down the middle and provides the Otters with a second strong scoring line. Strome has an outstanding wrist shot, and a great release. He also has good hands and can be a real sniper. Strome has the ability to be a playmaker with great vision and passing skills. He has good size and uses it to protect the puck in the cycle game, as well as to establish position in front of the net. He has high-end hockey IQ, and seems to make the right play with the puck on his stick, or can find openings in the defense to get off a one-timer. Strome shows a smooth skating stride, and good top end speed, but his acceleration and first few steps could use some improvement. Strome’s defensive game is also well developed for his age.“

Ben Kerr – Last Word On Sports

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Interview with The Hockey Writers

Interview with the Toronto Sun

Interview with The Star

International Tournaments:

Dylan has played for Team Canada twice. He’s scored 11 goals and six assists in 10 games and won a gold medal at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

ETA:

1-2 years

Risk/Reward Analysis:

Risk: 1/5 Reward: 5/5

NHL Potential:

1st line center who is a potent playmaker with game-changing ability.

Strengths:

Vision

Accurate Passing

Shifty moves

Shielding the puck

Patience

Quick release

Skating

Hockey sense/IQ

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

Adding muscle for the NHL level

Rounding out his defensive play

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 9/10 Defensive: 4/10

NHL Player Comparison:

– NHL comparison: Nicklas Backstrom

Video(s):

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph