With training camp coming quickly upon us, there is not much news coming from Isles country. The only unresolved item on General Manager Garth Snow's summer checklist is the contract of Ryan Strome. We have seen some conflicting reports that there is no progress and some have mentioned a deal will be done soon. Much like the arena drama, I'll believe it when pen is put to paper.
The Islanders do still have that team rule that if you are not signed by the first day of training camp you sit for the entire season. This is the rule that cost Sean Bergenheim and loomed over Brock Nelson this time last season. The rule is truly absurd but in this case I actually like it.
Get your deal done and your butt in camp Ryan Strome. It is really that simple. Storme has no leg to stand on and zero leverage. He was by far the most disappointing player on the entire roster last year. He will still get a raise, take that deal and show up ready to work.
We can blame the coaching staff for his development and while some of that might be true, a lot of it falls on the player himself. Hockey came easy for Ryan in his first season and when the sophomore slump hit he wasn't ready for it. Perhaps playing the wing was an issue last year but it wasn't his rookie season. I do think that Strome playing center eliminates any excuses. It is now or never.
Strome has players breathing down his back and if he doesn't take that next step, others will skate past him and take his role on the team. Mathew Barzal isn't just knocking at the door he is ready to kick it down to find a roster spot and the role of second line center is wide open right now.
This is why I expect a deal to get done. If Strome isn't in camp he will get pushed out because of the talent waiting in the wings on this roster. Speaking of prospects you can see the Flyers and Isles prospects play a week from today at Al Arbour rink. I will be there, stop by and say hello.