The Islanders announced today the they have signed restricted free agent Ryan Strome to a two-year deal worth $5 million, and though the cap hit will be $2.5 million per year, Strome will make $2 million this season and $3 million in the 2017-18 season.
As I have said all summer, it is put up or shut up time for Strome. He has a new deal. He is moving back to center. All the excuses are gone. While I really don’t like a player getting a raise after such a dreadful season, this deal is fine. If the Islanders get the rookie year, 50 points Strome it’s a bargain. Even if they get an improvement over last season and the young center contributes 35 to 45 points, the deal is fine.
It is up to Strome to prove he is that player that we all saw his rookie year. The dynamic player maker with good hands. The guy who made his linemates better. If Strome has a repeat of last season's no-show, he will be playing hockey in Las Vegas as an expansion choice or get moved because there is tangible competition for his job.
This deal actually puts the Isles over the cap. In what world do we live in where I would type that line and you all would read it. Don’t buy into the fear mongers on the interwebs though as once Mikhail Grabovski heads to long term injured reserve, the team will be fine.
In on-ice hockey news, the Flyers and Islanders prospects square off tomorrow at 6p in the Al Arbour rink at the Northwell Health Ice Center at 6pm. If you are heading to the game make sure you pop by and say hello.