Signing: Isles Sign Ryan Strome to Entry Level Contract

Earlier today, Ryan Strome and the New York Islanders agreed on a 3 year entry level contract (ELC). Strome was the 5th overall pick in this year's draft and is still with the Islanders in training camp. Financial details have not yet been released. 

AT: All of the obvious comments aside, at this point the only thing I'm hoping is that Strome does NOT get the 9 game tryout certain draft picks are given. He has the skills, and I would much prefer him go back to Niagara and spend the entire season there instead of potentially injuring himself playing against players much more physically mature than he. Having Strome go back to the OHL and light it up all season long would be a much wiser decision. Other than that, congrats to Ryan Strome on his ELC and let's hope we see him in the big leagues in a few years time.

CH: Like Alex said, Strome is not ready to see NHL ice just yet. His skills, like Kirill Kabanov, are extremely noticeable, but as an 18-year old he is not physically ready to handle defensemen who are much bigger than him. He should get the chance to lead Niagara (alongside Boston prospect Dougie Hamilton) through the OHL Playoffs, along with a probable spot on the Canadian World Junior team in December. Strome has a lot of big things ahead of him, but neither he nor Kabanov should play a game for the Islanders this season. That said, this was imperative to get done sooner rather than later, and it is great to see Strome officially part of the Islanders organization.