The Oilers can't wait to get Ryan Strome to camp, and the fans and media can't wait to see just where he'll line up. The 24-year-old forward was acquired via trade with the New York Islanders on June 22, and he has the ability to man the wing or play up the middle.
"He's a utility player," Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan said. "He has the ability to play centre and has in the past. He's been able to win faceoffs and he's also comfortable on the wings. We have the luxury of moving players around. As the fans here know, we like to do that. We like to have utility players that can move in and out from line to line."
Oilers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Peter Chiarelli has said in the past that he sees Strome as a "natural centre" but the club will have to see just where he fits in. One thing the Oilers are sure of is they're getting a motivated Strome who is looking to bounce back with a new team.
"I think we're going to have a very motivated Ryan Strome," said McLellan. "I think he's focused on coming back and having a very strong year. He's excited about becoming an Oiler and we can't wait to get him to training camp."
BLOG: McLellan on Strome
© Jeff Vinnick
