RyanStrome

This week the Eastern Edge will look at hot-shot prospects Ryan Strome, Anders Lee as well as long-shot T.J. Brennan and their potential for the coming season.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard a fair amount of hype on uber-prospect Ryan Strome. I’m going to take a critical look at his prospects for the coming season only. I don’t want to get into his potential and value in keeper/dynasty leagues in this article.

The main issue I have with projecting Strome to have significant fantasy value this season is that the team already employs centers John Tavares, Frans Nielsen and recently signed unrestricted free agent Mikhail Grabovski to a four-year deal. So unless Strome is able to convert to the wing, he is very unlikely to unseat either of those three pivots this season.

Last year, Strome and Anders Lee got long looks at the end of the season with the big club. Both acquitted themselves well with Strome recording 18 points in 37 games, while Lee potted 14 points in only 22 games. Interestingly enough, Strome dominated his AHL competition in his limited time last season, recording 49 points in 37 games, while Lee had a respectable 41 points in 54 AHL games.