Ryan Strome has been a key player in 2021

This past offseason, there was a lot of talk about offloading Ryan Strome’s contract.

The Rangers acquired Strome in 2018 from the Oilers in exchange for Ryan Spooner. The trade for Strome added depth at the center position, an area where the Rangers have struggled to find lasting talent over the years.

In his first full season on the roster, Strome put up some of the best numbers in his career. Many chalked up Strome’s career high 59 points (18g, 41a) in 70 games to be a result of playing alongside Artemi Panarin, who recorded 95 points in 69 games in 2019-20.

While last summer may have been a good time for Jeff Gorton to try and sell high, Strome has turned out to be even more important for…