Most fans have likely heard the names Ryan and Dylan Strome. Both were top five picks in their respective drafts. Ryan went fifth overall to the New York Islanders in the 2011 NHL draft, while Dylan went third in the 2015 draft to Arizona Coyotes. I would venture to guess, not even all Flyers fans know their brother who the Flyers picked in the fourth round 106th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. That brother is Flyers big, tough, and skilled prospect Matthew Strome. One reason this 6’4″ 205-pound winger in Matthew Strome fell to the fourth round was his skating ability. It sure as heck was not his size and offensive ability. In 260 career games with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL, Strome tallied 115 goals, and chipped in 132 assists for a total of 247 career points. He also was crowned the Captain of the team in his final season for the Bulldogs showing that he not only can produce on the ice, but is also a player any coach would want to have in their locker room.
During his time in the OHL, Strome showed steady improvement each season leading to him becoming a Captain in his fourth and final year as mentioned above. In his rookie season for the Bulldogs, Strome scored a very respectable 38 points, after scoring 60 in his final year with the U16 Toronto Marlboros as their team Captain. Not only did Strome showoff his leadership on top of his skill at the OHL level as mentioned above, he also showcased both qualities as early as youth U16 play. Strome followed up his rookie campaign with a 62-point season in his sophomore season, jumping up six points to 68 the following season in 2017-18. Then in his final season with the Bulldogs as team Captain, Strome put forth one heck of a season amassing 79 points for the year. Strome not only showcased his knack for scoring with his strong shot in the OHL, but also showed off his playmaking ability with tape to tape passing coming to the forefront especially in his final two OHL seasons. In each of his first three seasons, his goal totals improved from 16 in 2015-16, to 34 in 2016-17, then up to 37 in 2017-18. In each of these seasons, his assists total also went up from 22 to 28 to 31 respectively. His final season in the OHL in 2018-19, was his most impressive for sure. Strome’s goals went down to 28, however, his assist total went up to 51 proving to be a true leader on the ice getting all his teammates involved. He too, made those around him better as any team Captain should do. Here are some highlights from Strome’s 2016-17 season below since I couldn’t find any good videos from his final year in juniors.
Strome, as our very own Lance Green pointed out in his article about Jordan Greenway, is exactly someone the Flyers need. He is a power forward who gets in effectively on the forecheck, while also playing a good physical game laying on the hits when appropriate who can score the puck. Of course, with his size at 6’4″ it would be assumed he wouldn’t be afraid to get into the dirty areas in front of the net. That assumption would be correct, Strome has a strong hockey IQ helping him to know when to go down low and set up for a possible deflection. When the opportunity strikes Strome then is money with his hand eye coordination and light hands to be able to find the puck, and deflect it on toward the net hopefully leading to a goal. Another strength of Strome’s game is using his size wisely to fend defenders off the puck helping to lead to scoring chances for his teammates or himself. As stated previously, his only glaring weakness is his foot speed AKA skating ability. Strome has a wicked wrist shot, with a quick and accurate release while also being able to make tape to tape passes as seen time and time again in juniors. The only questions that remain are will he be able to improve his skating, and will he be able to translate his game to the Professional level?
On the skating end, I personally believe Strome will be able to improve his skating and therefore, be able to have a much higher chance to successfully convert his game to the Professional level. Fourth round picks take a bit of time to develop. Connor Bunnaman was selected in the fourth round in 2016, and just got the call this season. Fellow forward and now KHL member Mikhail Vorobyev was also a fourth rounder in 2015, and had two unceremonious stints with the Flyers within the past two seasons. Strome just needs to be given the time to develop and iron out the rawness in his game displayed in his first season at the Pro level. The big skilled winger showed some ups and some downs in the 2019-20 campaign quite figuratively and literally. Strome was up with the AHL Phantoms for 19 games while only amassing four total points. In order to help his development, and play him on a higher line due to the forward depth on the Phantoms. Strome was sent down to the Flyers ECHL affiliate the Reading Royals where he then showcased that great toughness and offensive ability yet again. In 25 games played for the Royals, Strome registered 20 total points while also, playing a fairly disciplined tough game only accumulating four minor penalties during that time.
Finally, as we can clearly see from the numbers above Strome has the offensive ability, as well as, due to his high hockey sense the ability to cut down passing lanes and block shots. His only question mark remaining to translate his game now from the ECHL to the AHL, then ultimately the NHL is his skating. Personally, I believe with the dedication and hard work the kid has he will make it eventually, just like once Flyers prospect, now current winger Scott Laughton showed (While really working on his skating in 2017) is a lot of hard work pays off. For Strome, I imagine skating is the main thing he is working on this offseason, and if that’s the case he is poised to have one heck of a second year in my opinion helping him to become a mainstay for the Phantoms next season. As for the future, if Strome is able to truly hone in his skating he has the passing and scoring ability to play potentially on a second line. Although, even if his skating only improves a little bit Strome will succeed due to his dedication, high hockey sense and IQ, leadership/ locker room qualities, and of course his scoring ability. Strome has that insane wrist shot while making crisp tape to tape passes, and he will eventually become a successful bottom 6 forward at the next level. He is also a guy with all his natural offensive abilities that could see lots of time on the Power Play. My guess for Strome would be a full year with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, but if he really improves at the AHL level in 2020-2021, then do not be surprised to see him up sometime in the 2021-22 NHL season with the Flyers. Whenever the time does come, Strome has all the billings of a player that becomes another quick fan favorite.
Here are some highlights from his 2017-18 season with the Bulldogs, not sure why its so hard to find them from 2018-19. Sorry about that folks.
