"I've put on a few pounds and really emphasized getting bigger and stronger," Strome, 19 and 194 pounds, said during development camp. "I've worked hard and hopefully I can impress enough people to make this team."
That almost happened last season. Strome believed he was ready to go from the draft to the NHL but was returned to Erie of the Ontario Hockey League on Oct. 4, just before the start of the regular season.
The Coyotes' concern was that he wasn't physically ready for the rigors of an 82-game season and considered the risk of rushing him to the NHL.
While a slew of rookie forwards, including Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and Jordan Martinook, played in the NHL, Strome was named captain of Erie, and his 74 assists and 111 points were fourth in the OHL.
"I feel like I turned a lot of heads in [Coyotes training] camp," Strome said. "But when I didn't make the team, I was really excited to get back to Erie. When I was cut, I think I was down about it for one hour. Then I started thinking about how good a team we had in Erie. And when I rejoined my teammates we had a great run. It was the most fun I've ever had in a hockey season."
Coyotes director of player development Steve Sullivan said he felt Strome's mourning period was a little longer than an hour. But the responsibility of being captain of a team with high expectations, and a chance to play for Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, allowed him to refocus quickly. Strome had four goals and two assists in five games at the tournament.