So close, yet so far. After looking so promising to begin the season, Atlanta fell back outside the playoff picture once again. Considered a 'meat and potatoes' type of squad, Atlanta boasts a young core on the wings and along their blue line. On the back, a young trio of Tobias Enstrom, Dustin Byfuglien and Zach Bogosian compliment their forward roster of Andrew Ladd, Evander Kane, Blake Wheeler and Alexander Burmistrov; not to mention the talented Bryan Little. Atlanta looks to continue to add young pieces to a group of players coming into their own.
"With the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Atlanta is proud to select, from the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League... Ryan Strome."
One of the quickest risers of 2011, Ryan Strome came from relative obscurity to being one of the most coveted prospects heading into June. Once a diminutive forward at 5'11, Strome grew over the course of this past year, currently listed at 6' 1.5" and 185 lbs.
An explosive offensive player, Strome boasts excellent skating and soft hands to go with high end vision and passing ability. While his shot isn't the hardest thing on the block, Strome has the ability to get it off quickly and put it where he wants. Strome has shown an incredible ability to handle the puck with ease, even at the highest of speeds, putting on a clinic in the offensive zone. Comparisons have been drawn to current Blackhawks star, Patrick Kane, for his ability to take the puck to the outside and make plays.
At one point, Strome wasn't even seen as a first round pick. Coming into the season, Strome got to work and never looked back, rising to elite levels of skill. While no real flaws to his game, Ryan will need to continue to strengthen his body for the rigors of bigger players at the NHL Level.
With the tools to become a very good two-way player, Strome shows the desire and willingness to battle it out defensively with good positioning and hard work. He's not afraid to rough it up, and throw what little weight he has around, and be a pest, should the situation call for it.
Finishing out the season second in OHL Scoring, Strome likely would have been number one, had he not missed a few games from a Joey Hishon punch. A strong finish for Niagara in the playoffs could push Strome into an even higher rating amongst scouts.
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