Prior to the start of the 2020-21 season, Ryan Strome’s future in New York was certainly in question. He was in need of a new contract, and the organization appeared to be at a crossroads when it came to committing term and money to the now 28-year old. Ultimately, both sides came to an agreement and avoided salary arbitration after agreeing to a two-year, $9 million extension.
Fresh off of his brand new contract, Ryan Strome entered the year penciled in as the number two center once again. Along with any pay increase comes heightened expectations, and Strome definitely had the added pressure to build off of his impressive 2019-20 campaign.