Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Signing a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals last July has paid off for Dylan Strome. Strome has emerged as a top-line center for Washington next to the all-time great Alex Ovechkin. Thus, the Capitals have committed to Strome in the long-term, signing the 25-year-old to a five-year deal with a $5 million average annual value.

Once the third-overall pick in 2015, Strome underachieved with the Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks. He landed in Washington days after his release by the Blackhawks.

This season, Strome has tallied 36 points, including 25 assists through 52 games. He has become a center facilitator that has pushed the Capitals into playoff contention. Washington currently sits in the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 60 points.

Dylan Strome is now the longest-contracted player on the Capitals roster. He’s been an integral part of the Capitals’ 2022-23 season. He is the youngest center on the Capitals active roster. That’s significant considering Nicklas Backstrom is 35 years of age, Lars Eller is 31, and Evgeny Kuznetsov is 30.

Strome’s 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and athleticism have pushed him on Washington’s top line next to Ovechkin. His journey as a professional has seemingly helped him re-establish his career.

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