During the 2022 NHL off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks elected not to send forward Dylan Strome a qualifying offer. As a result, he became an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Washington Capitals in July of that year. This was after Strome posted 22 goals and 48 points with the Blackhawks during the 2021-22 season. 

The move to Washington immediately benefited Strome, as he posted 23 goals and 65 points in 81 games during the 2022-23 season. This led to him to landing a five-year, $25 million contract extension with the Capitals in February of 2023. He then followed this campaign up by recording then-career highs with 27 goals, 40 assists, and 67 points in 82 contests during the 2023-24 season.

Yet, as well as Strome played in each of his first two seasons with the Capitals, he hit a new level with the Metropolitan Division club during this past season. In 82 games during 2024-25 campaign, the former Blackhawks forward recorded new career highs with 29 goals, 53 assists, and 82 points in 82 regular-season games. He was also a bright spot during the playoffs for the Capitals, posting two goals and 11 points in 10 games. 

Strome only seems to be getting better with each season that passes and produced like a true star in 2024-25. The Blackhawks' decision to let Strome walk for nothing certainly looks more questionable after the campaign he just had, but it is clear that the 2015 third-overall pick has thrived since leaving Chicago. 

It will now be interesting to see what kind of season Strome puts together in 2025-26 after his career year. 

Blackhawks Exciting Forward Is Big Breakout CandidateThe Chicago Blackhawks have one of the strongest prospect pools in the NHL. It is not difficult to understand why, as they have been rebuilding for multiple years now. As a result, they have brought in several exciting youngsters who have the potential to become long-term parts of their future. 

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