Dylan Strome Wants To Keep Proving The Capitals Right. To Do That, He's Ready For A Bigger Role, More Growth & More Maturity

ARLINGTON, V.A. — After putting pen to paper on a five-year contract extension last year, Dylan Strome went on a mission to prove the Washington Capitals right.

He's done just that — and then some.

"I made a promise to the Caps that I was going to continue to get better each year, and they put the faith in me to sign me to a long-term deal, and I still feel the same way," Strome said. "I'm excited to get working in the summer and continue to become a better player and a better leader and better overall. Lots to look forward to."

Strome was something of a gamble for the Capitals, who signed the 2015 third-overall selection to a low-risk one-year deal after the Chicago Blackhawks chose not to qualify him in 2022. He exceeded expectations, earning a long-term stay and trust as he hit new career highs in his first season.

This past year was even sweeter for the 27-year-old. He thrived in 2023-24, leading Washington in scoring with 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games while taking on a bigger role on and off the ice.

Related: What's The Biggest Thing Missing For The Capitals, And What Will It Take To Make It Happen?

Strome's consistency and impressive play, especially in the second half of the season, helped the struggling Capitals find some answers to their offensive woes and, ultimately, return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

No player wanted that taste of postseason hockey more than No. 17, who fought tooth and claw and exerted everything he had to extend his season. And though it ended in a sweep, Strome was happy with the way that he and the team battled.

"There's lots of positives to take from the events that took place... we found a way to keep grinding," Strome said. "Obviously, some things to learn from. But for the most part, I'm proud of the way we fought to get in there, and lesson learned for the future."

Going forward, Strome wants to continue to take his game to new heights. He thinks the game in the right way, and he has the hands, hockey IQ and playmaking ability to make things happen on a nightly basis.

Still, there's adding strength, getting stronger and other things he wants to incorporate into his game to become a better player all around.

"I want to get better and want to continue to grow as a person and a player," he said.

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Looking ahead to the summer, the plan is to skate again with his brothers and train up in Toronto again, as the regimen will remain "status quo."

Not only does Strome want to add more to his game, but he also wants to take on a bigger leadership role and mentor the younger players as the Capitals transition to a younger, faster club.

"I'm in this for the long haul with this team, and those (young) guys are huge building blocks for what we're trying to do here," Strome said. "Any way I can help, I (try) to do my best."

At the end of the day, Strome knows there's a lot of growing to do, and that includes as a person.

"I'm a pretty firey guy when it comes to being on the ice. I'm pretty hard on myself on the bench, so I feel if there's something I could take forward the next year, it's probably keeping my composure a little bit," Strome said. "I know I get pretty frustrated. I'm just a competitive person and really want to win. There's something to learn from that."

Whatever it takes, he said he's ready for the challenge, and is also ready for that "long haul."

"I've got four more years, and hopefully more on to that. We'll see what happens," Strome said. "I'm excited to keep getting better and to keep helping this team take steps in the right direction."