New York Rangers Ryan Strome: “I Want to Stay” and He Probably Should

New York Rangers, Ryan Strome
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Ryan Strome #16 of the New York Rangers controls the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Among the things that Ryan Strome can visualize is that the New York Rangers are an up and coming team. This and a handful of other reasons is why Strome has told various media people that he would prefer to stay in New York. The only thing that complicates this matter is that he Strome is scheduled to be a restricted free agent this season as he plays out the final season of a two-year, $6.2 million contract that was signed with Edmonton in 2018.

Strome’s case for remaining a New York Ranger

Strome did draw some ire when his ill-advised shift change late in the third period led to the game-winning goal in last Sunday’s game against Colorado. What he would like people to remember is that he is having a terrific year. Strome has averaged a career-high 19:32 of ice time per game this year, and the results have outstanding.

He has generated 12 goals and 31 assists through 48 games, and he’s just seven points shy of a career-high in points heading into the All-Star break. After Sunday’s mistake, he did put his head between his tail and hide as he posted a power-play assist and three shots in Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Islanders.  He has also been quoted saying that he enjoys New York, where everything hockey is not blown out of proportion like it was in Edmonton.

Strome is tired of being traded

Strome has been traded twice in the past three years, and he’s hoping to avoid a third time with the Rangers.  The first time he was traded was in 2017 when Islanders sent him to Edmonton for Jordan Eberle. Strome was then traded to the Rangers in November 2018 after posting just three points in the first 18 games of the season.

That was a tough one for him as he felt a connection in the Oiler locker room. It was also tough on his wife as she had just earned a promotion in her job in Edmonton. Most of the possibility of not being traded would be the ability to sign an extension. Given the chemistry that he has displayed with the Rangers, he could be a valuable asset as the Blueshirts continue to rebuild.