The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Ryan Strome in free agency. The center leaves the New York Rangers after a great year and lands a five-year contract with the Ducks worth a reported $5 million per season. In 74 games this past season, Strome posted 21 goals and 54 points.
A solid 2nd line playmaking center, he developed strong chemistry with Artemi Panarin and the fact the Rangers didn’t want to keep those two together is a bit surprising. That said, it was known for some time the team wasn’t really looking to bring Strome back, especially knowing he was going to be due a fairly healthy raise. Once Vincent Trocheck was signed in free agency, Strome’s exit was a given.
The Ducks are not likely to be terribly competitive next season but they do need actual NHL players and had to get to the cap floor. Strome is a good investment and he’ll play in a top-six role providing some consistency to the franchise. They need a veteran center and a scorer. He can bring both.
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