NHL

Ryan Strome’s value rising in Rangers line blender

LOS ANGELES — There was some concern about moving Ryan Strome out of the middle and off a line with the terrifically productive Artemi Panarin, but that’s just what Rangers coach David Quinn did. And Strome, on the wing with Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil, had another good game while collecting an assist on Kreider’s first-period goal during a 5-0 win at Vegas on Sunday.

“I thought he really played at a pace offensively,” Quinn said before he kept Strome in that spot for Tuesday night’s match against the Kings. “Loved what he did on the goal. He had a couple more situations through the neutral zone when he was attacking with speed.”

Strome obviously had developed chemistry with Panarin while two played together for over a month. That was especially helpful because top-line center Mika Zibanejad missed 13 games with a neck injury. But when Zibanejad came back, Quinn had to deal with overcrowding down the middle, and eventually moved Strome.

“I think he’s probably a little bit better in the middle, but he also has the ability to play the wing,” Quinn said. “With our situation, he’s going to probably be someone that is going back and forth.”

Strome, 26, is in the final year of his contract and set to be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. The Rangers have to make a decision whether they’re going to re-sign him or look for a return nearing the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Either way, if he keeps playing like he has been, his value will rise.

“The thing about Ryan is he does a real good job creating plays, sees the ice well,” Quinn said. “Like most offensive players, when they try to force offense, it usually doesn’t happen. His offense comes off his instincts, so when he’s moving and playing at a pace, I think his instincts take over.”


Quinn was preparing to keep the same lines, meaning Brendan Lemieux would be alongside Brett Howden and Pavel Buchnevich. Lemieux lasted into a second game on the top line next to Zibanejad before Quinn shuffled everything going into Vegas.

“He’s effective, regardless of what line he’s on,” Quinn said. “He’s an impactful player for us.”


The lineup was set to stay the same, meaning Micheal Haley was the lone healthy scratch.

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