NHL Rumors: 3 Potential Landing Spots for Ryan Strome

New York Rangers forward Ryan Strome scored a career high 21 goals in 74 games last season and is heading into free agency this summer. The Rangers have interest in Strome returning, however at what price is unknown at this point. There's a number of teams expected to reach out to the soon-to-be 29-year-old forward, come July 13 - they include:

Washington Capitals

The Caps have a few big question marks heading into next season. While starting goaltending is an area of focus this summer, so too is center depth as the health of Niklas Backstrom has created a big hole on the team's second line. Strome fits nicely as he's offensively minded with strong hockey sense.

His hockey IQ gets him a step on the competition as his skating may be his biggest question mark. The Rangers are expected to see some changes up front heading into next season and look for one of their rivals to try and add some of their talent.

#NYR forwards Ryan Strome and Andrew Copp both intend to hit the free agent market on July 13, per @NYP_Brooksie.
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) July 1, 2022

Seattle Kraken

The second year franchise is on a mission to find more scoring. Strome fits the bill and would likely flourish with even more time on the power play. His 54 points in 74 games would have led the Kraken and while general manager Ron Francis loves his cap space, they won't have to break the bank to get Strome signed as they would with Nazem Kadri, Filip Forsberg or Johnny Gaudreau. Strome makes a ton of sense for Seattle.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins may have a major hole to fill if they let Evgeni Malkin walk. By the sounds of it out of Pittsburgh, contract talks haven't progressed in the least and the sense is Malkin is leaving. Strome makes some sense if the price is right. Not necessarily a Ron Hextall/Brian Burke type of player but his versatility could help the Pens as they may have several spots to fill in their top six.

Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports