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"For the first time in my career, I've found a little bit of a home," Strome told the Oilers website. "Towards the end of the season, I started to really feel comfortable.
"I told my agent, 'I'm a big believer in what's going on in Edmonton.'"
The 24-year-old center had 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 82 games with the Oilers last season. He was acquired from the New York Islanders in a trade for forward Jordan Eberle on June 22, 2017.
Strome said he began to feel more comfortable as the season went along, including a move from right wing to center, and also time on the penalty kill. He had 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 14:03 of average ice time in 49 games before the All-Star break, and 15 points (six goals nine assists) in 16:03 of average ice time in 33 games after the break.
"I think [coach] Todd [McLellan] and me were on the same wavelength at the end of the year," Strome said. "It was nice to feel comfortable, wanted and useful towards the team. Hopefully things continue to grow like they did at the end of the year."
The Islanders selected Strome in the first round (No. 5) of the 2011 NHL Draft. He has 160 points (58 goals, 102 assists) in 340 NHL games with the Oilers and Islanders, and eight points (three goals, five assists) in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
