Arizona Coyotes: Slumping Strome Shipped to Chicago

The Arizona Coyotes traded for Nick Schmaltz, who should be an immediate upgrade over Dylan Strome.

According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Arizona Coyotes have traded center Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini to the Chicago Blackhawks, in exchange for Nick Schmaltz.

The details of this blockbuster trade have yet to be disclosed, however, it appears as though the Chicago Blackhawks and the Arizona Coyotes have agreed to another significant trade, involving multiple pieces.

Dylan Strome, who was drafted 3rd overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft by the Coyotes, will reportedly be heading north to join the Chicago Blackhawks. The 21-year old centerman had grappled to produce offensively in his limited time with the Coyotes. In 48 games, Strome had just 7 goals and 9 assists.

Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet had displayed his frustration with the young centerman this season, scratching him from his lineup, as well as designating him to the fourth line. All in an attempt to spark Strome’s offensive game, which was non-existent during his time with the Coyotes.

Arizona is also reportedly moving winger Brendan Perlini. The former 12th overall pick was coming off a promising 2017/18 campaign where he tallied 17 goals and 30 points in 78 games, but like Strome, Perlini struggled to find any offensive consistency throughout his NHL tenure, posting just 57 points in 153 career games.

In return for Strome and Perlini, the Coyotes have acquired 22-year old Nick Schmaltz. The Madison, Wisconsin native is coming off the heels of an impressive sophomore season where he scored 21 goals with 52 points in 78 games. So far in the 2018/19 season, Schmaltz has 2 goals and 9 assists in 23 games. He will be an RFA at the end of this season.

Although the finalized details of the trade are not yet fully disclosed, it appears as though the Coyotes have finally moved off of their once superstar-to-be Dylan Strome, ending a 3-year ordeal of mediocracy and inconsistency. His incredibly frustrating play, coupled with his perceived ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude has made him a polarizing figure amongst Coyotes fans.

The acquisition of Schmaltz will no doubt be an upgrade over Strome, and add even more speed to an already electric offensive group which features speedsters, Clayton Keller and Michael Grabner. His consistent play at the center position will certainly be a godsend to coach Rick Tocchet going forward.