New York Rangers Haven't Started Extension Talks With Key Center

Ryan Strome is in the final year of his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Although he's become a key forward for them, the New York Rangers have yet to start extension talks with him.

Since being traded to the Rangers during the 2018-19 season, Strome has grown as a player significantly. He also is coming off the best season of his career thus far, as he had 14 goals and 49 points in 56 games. It's clear that he's developed chemistry with star Artemi Panarin, so he's a player who wouldn't be bad to keep around if possible.

He also is continuing to produce well this season, too. In 13 total games, he has two goals and 10 points.

Signing Strome to an extension does come with some difficulty, though. The Rangers just signed both Mika Zibanejad ($8.5 million AAV) and Adam Fox ($9.5 million AAV) to big contracts. With Strome having a chance to hit the open market, it's very unlikely he would accept a hometown discount to stick around. With that, he certainly has earned himself a raise from his current $4.5 million cap hit with his increase of production.

We'll have to see what happens with Strome, but as of right now, it wouldn't be surprising to see him wearing a new jersey next season.