This is why, with a grain of salt, I keep circling back to Pierre Luc Dubois as a Strome replacement lately.
PLD is strong in the paint, carries the puck well, is above average at the dot, plays all 3 zones when motivated, and has previous chemistry with Panarin. With the leadership in the room and Gallants method, I think PLD can be "motivated" here to be a better player and provide hsi potential in a more consistent basis for NYR.
I'm fully aware of his millennial temperament too, but at least he has a brief history to go on in hopes he can bring something to the table. If Kravtsov interests Winnipeg at all, I think he is worth exploring. Not my first choice (Larkin is) but he is a clear upgrade over Strome in more than one facet and isn't exactly gelling in The Peg so he could shake loose as available again.
he would have been a great get. He also has solid chemistry with Panarin as you said, and not a huge contract.
But with what the jets have gone thru in the last 3-4 years trying to find a solid long term 2C to play behind schiefle, there’s probably a less then 2% chance they even make him available.
Traded 1st for Hayes, Acquired Stastney twice, dealt with all of Littles warts, Rosolovic not progressing for them, etc
They believe not having a guy like PLD cost them dearly in the playoffs a few times.
I think he’s just as unavailable as Larkin/Lindholm at this point.
Guys that interest me are Thomas in STL and Texier ( who may be available coincidently)
Both young and cheap and have their pros and cons.
I’d love ROR too, but not paying him a high dollar multi year deal at 30 with what we just gave Zibby.
I think resigning Strome is a massive mistake. Yes he has chemistry with Panarin. But I’d rather sacrifice a 10-15 of Panarins point totals for a better overall 2nd line whose harder to play against