Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Could Strome Be Tavares Winger?

A big topic of discussion this summer in Islander land has been the need to acquire a right wing to play on a line with John Tavares and Matt Moulson.

On July 5th, the Islanders signed Pierre Marc Bouchard, previously of the Wild to a 1 year 2 million dollar contract to presumably take that spot.

However, if that plan doesn't work or Bouchards health doesn't hold up, could we have the solution in house already in that of Ryan Strome?  Dating back to when he was drafted, Strome drew comparisons to Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes by Craig Button from the NHL Network.  Skinner is able to play both center and right wing.  While in Bridgeport toward the end of last season Strome predominately played wing on a line with Brock Nelson and the since departed Nino Niederreiter.

Yesterday from camp, Ryan Strome said that hes been asked by the Islanders if he his comfortable playing both center and wing.  Further on that, yesterday coach Jack Capuano said "...its a real good possibility that we try him there" meaning Strome on the wing.

With Niederreiter gone, Strome is now the highest end forward we have who is capable of playing wing and with the large amount of centers we have it would make sense to transition Strome there.  With the playmaking ability he showed in the limited time I saw him in Bridgeport last season I think there is a potential match made in heaven between him and his summer workout partner John Tavares.



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