I don't want to sound like I'm just trying to shit on the idea at every turn, because he is the kind of guy that needs to be looked at. There's just a whole bunch of what ifs involved with Strome. Are the Rangers going to expect the value of a 60 point center? Is Strome going expect the contract of a 60 point center?
I do know if the cost includes Greenway then I would be out for sure
There's going to be questions about most of the options we have, so I'm not offended that not everyone agrees with me about Strome, but it would be a huge bonus to be able to acquire a guy that could play top 6 center without giving up one of the defensemen or a top prospect.
The idea that we trade for Strome would be predicated on the fact that the Rangers aren't looking for typical top 6 center value (a couple fans that have responded mentioned a 3C+2nd/3rd or Greenway+undisclosed value or Firstov+undisclosed value), and that he's looking for a reasonable contract extension (in my mind, 5x5 with no trade protection).
I know you're higher than most (certainly than I am) on Greenway, and I get why, but I don't see much top 6 offensive upside in him, especially when we've got Fiala, Kaprizov and Boldy in the system, and I think bottom 6 wingers can be replaced pretty easily, even if they are great possession players. I feel Foligno could fill the third line role in his absence, and we've got to start moving wingers as is.
I think your concerns about Strome are valid and justified, and I'd still be looking at other options, but Strome could still be a cheap and potentially very viable option, a stopgap at the least.