Two other NHL franchises already have given up on Ryan Strome, but the former top-five draft pick of the Islanders is doing what he can to make a hockey home for himself with the Rangers.
Strome, who was acquired by the Blueshirts in a trade from Edmonton in November, has potted seven goals in his past 13 games entering Sunday’s matinee against the Flyers in Philadelphia. His 17 goals overall, including another in Friday’s win over St. Louis, match the high mark for his six-year NHL career.
“I just feel more consistent,” Strome said after practice Saturday about his recent hot streak. “I don’t think it’s any secret recipe, just trying to do the right things. The coaches here have been pretty big on me with trying to make an impact even when I’m not scoring.
“Just having that mentality and not really focusing too much on producing and just trying to do the right things has been helping. And the results have kind of come. It’s always nice to be rewarded, but I think it’d be nicer if we were in a bit of a playoff run. That would be more fun.”
The Rangers (30-34-13) are playing out their final five games of their second straight season missing the playoffs, but the deadline trades of forwards Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello have provided opportunity for players such as the 25-year-old Strome, who is signed for next year at $3.2 million.
“Sometimes the puck finds its way in and goal scoring can become streaky. He’s in a great streak from that end of it,” Rangers coach David Quinn said. “But he’s a smart player. He’s a guy that has been a productive player in this league, he’s been a 50-point guy before. He’s taking advantage of his opportunity and he’s also playing well.”
Indeed, Strome tallied 17 goals and 33 assists in 2014-15, his first full NHL season, with the Islanders, who drafted him fifth overall in 2011. The winger was shipped to Edmonton in 2017 then to Manhattan for center Ryan Spooner on Nov. 16.
Strome had netted nine goals in his first 45 appearances for the Rangers until his late-season scoring binge.
“Obviously, with some guys being moved there was an opportunity, and I think I was one of the guys that really wanted to try to take advantage of it,” Strome said. “Five games left, and I still think there’s a lot to prove for me and a lot of guys to build for next year. I still think there’s more.
“As long as I come to the rink every day and do the right things and be a good teammate and have fun and work hard, hopefully this can be a home for a little while. I know obviously things can change, and it’s a business, as we know. They’re trying to make their right moves to get the team where they want it to be, and hopefully I’m a part of that.”
