Ryan Strome not concerned with Jack Eichel trade rumors; wants to stay with New York Rangers

Ryan Strome injury
May 1, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Ryan Strome (16) shoots against the New York Islanders during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Over the course of the summer, trade rumors have persisted around the New York Rangers. Most of these rumors included center, Ryan Strome in one way or another.

Whether he was part of a package for another center, or shipped out to make cap space for one, his name has been involved.

Despite all this noise, Ryan Strome continues to prove he’s as good a number two center you will find – and he’s affordable at $4.5 million. He also won’t likely break the bank on his next deal.

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Ryan Strome not impacted by trade rumors

Today after practice, Strome was asked if he reads about Jack Eichel trade rumors. “I don’t,” he quickly responded.

“It’s a business. I think everyone in here has been traded before except for a few guys,” he said. “If there’s a trade made then we’ll respond accordingly. If you worry about that, it’s just going to negatively impact you.”

Since joining the Rangers, Strome’s game has steadily gotten better. Last season, he notched 49 points in 56 games and 59 points in 70 contest the season prior. The 28 year-old is still in his prime and his numbers should continue to climb and get closer to a point a game status.

strome contract
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Listen, there’s 32 teams in the NHL so assume there’s an almost equal amount of #1 centers. In 2020-21, Zibanejad finished 19th among pivots with .89 points per game. Ryan Strome recorded .88 points per game, good for 22nd.

Strome finished better than the following, more expensive centers:

  • Jack Eichel (.86) – $10M AAV
  • Brayden Point (.86) – $6.75M
  • Evgeni Malkin (.85) – $9.5M
  • Mathew Barzal (.82) – $7M
  • Claude Giroux (.80) – $8.275M

Strome on his pending UFA status

Another reason why Strome is in the trade rumor mill so often is because he will be a UFA at the end of this season. Do the Rangers extend him before the trade deadline? What would it cost? How many years would it take?

There’s a lot of other questions that need to be answered as well. They start with what will it cost to extend Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox? Still, Strome was honest when asked about it.

“I love being a Ranger, I think I fit in great here,” he answered. “I love the guys on this team. I care so much about those guys. Whatever happens, happens. Everyone is really excited (about this season), and that’s my focus.”

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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