NHL Rookie Watch: Ryan Strome – New York Islanders

Ryan StromeRyan Strome Scouting Reports

Date of birth: 7/11/1993
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 192
Position: C
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st round, 5th overall in 2011 by the New York Islanders.

Corey Pronman Hockey Prospectus – @coreypronman

Year in Review: Strome was one of the top players in the OHL, and he was a quality player towards the end of the season in a brief AHL stint.

The Good: Strome dominated the OHL season, and he was one of the top players in the entire CHL. Strome bleeds puck possession ability and offensive upside. He has great hands and high-end vision. Per one NHL scout, his ability to control the puck and make plays on the power play could make him an asset on the man advantage at the top level right away. He is not a blazing skater, as he has about average speed, but he gets solid power from his legs with a good first step and fine balance. He has continued to work on his game off the puck, as his defense and faceoffs are now at a sufficient level, and he works pretty hard on the ice. His strength has also made good strides.

The Bad: There is not a whole lot to nitpick about Strome. He does not have a glaring weakness, so just continuing to add onto his strength and defensive value will help him make the NHL jump.

Projection: He could be a top line forward, and maybe even a potential star.

Internationals Scouting Services – @ISSHockey

A creative and exciting offensive player, Strome can dangle with the best of them. He is a very dangerous offensive presence and relies on his hands and speed to make things happen. He should fit into the Islanders lineup nicely and could really take off once he hits his offensive stride.

Dobber Prospects@dobberprospects

October 2013 – Strome has been a bit snake bitten since the Sound Tigers’ opening weekend. After recording three assists in the first two games, he has been held pointless through the last two. To his credit, Strome has fired a team leading 15 shots on net and his playmaking ability only continues to improve. While centering the top line flanked by Anders Lee, it is only a matter of time before the pucks start going in and the points start to accumulate. Strome is a patient kid with his sights set on developing into a full time NHL’er. The future remains bright for the 20-year-old. Brad Wilson

October 2013 – Strome was finally delegated to the AHL’s Sound Tigers at the NHL roster deadline. He received quite a bit of ice time on the right wing but Islander brass think he needs a little time in the minors. Don’t rule out a call-up at some point. Brad Wilson

Fantasy Outlook: A
Selecting Ryan Strome high in the 2011 draft proves that the Islanders coveted his offensive abilities. Stromes’ responsible defensive game will provide him with plenty of minutes in all situations leaving fantasy poolies to reap the offensive rewards. In New York, look for Strome to slot into the number two pivot position and play alongside Tavares on the Isles’ future top powerplay unit. Strome among the top ten prospects not playing in the NHL.

Carl Maloney of The Hockey Writers@maloney3383

Not only expected to crack the Islanders roster, but could find himself in a top six role. The Islanders are in need of a No. 2 centre and Strome could be pencilled in there to start the season. Drafted 5th overall in 2011, Strome has been one of the most dynamic players in junior hockey there is. Next season should be his first in the Islander blue and orange and he won’t look back.

Strome drafted by the Islanders 5th overall in 2011