Dylan Strome Takes Ice For Training, First Look In Capitals Gear

After signing with the Washington Capitals, newest center Dylan Strome is back on the ice and putting in hard work for the 2022-23 campaign.

Strome is training with Dan Ninkovich at BTNL (Beyond The Next Level) Sports Performance & Therapy in Ontario. On Friday, the 25-year-old skated in Capitals gear for the first time, sporting the team’s hockey pants featuring D.C.’s three stars and wearing red, white and blue gloves.

First look at Dylan Strome in @Capitals colours:

🎥 @DeejBTNL pic.twitter.com/gfkJNMUSnG

— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) July 21, 2022

Connor McDavid, Strome’s former Erie Otters teammate, has also trained at BTNL in the past.

READ MORE ON WHN: Strome Discusses Decision To Sign With Washington Capitals, Rough End Of Chicago Tenure

Strome is coming off one of his best seasons yet with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he dished a career-high 22 goals while adding 26 assists for 48 points in 69 games. Despite his performance, the RFA did not receive a qualifying offer from Chicago and hit the market. He signed with Washington on the second day of 2022 NHL Free Agency.

“I felt like I played my way into getting a qualifying offer [this past season]. But with the way that the Blackhawks are trending… I’m not going to say I was surprised at the decision… I’m really excited to join such a great organization and a team that is in the playoffs pretty much every year. Just to have that opportunity and that new challenge, I think that’s something every player looks forward to.”

“I think it was a process I never really expected to go through this early,” Strome also admitted, adding, “There was 31 others teams where I could have gone to or wanted me, I guess I should say. It was a crazy couple of days… I couldn’t be happier.”

The Capitals brought in Strome to help fill Nicklas Backstrom’s void as No. 19 recovers from hip resurfacing surgery. The 2015 third-overall selection is a versatile player who can play center or wing. Not only can he win draws, but he can also play a strong two-way game and help the power play. Most importantly, though, Strome is a playmaker and proven scorer who has great vision and a high hockey IQ, along with plenty of upside.