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The youngest of the Strome brothers, Matthew Strome was the Bulldogs first round pick, 8th overall in the 2015 OHL Draft. He shows the size and skill that have become trademarks of the Strome name. After scoring 38 points as an OHL rookie, he’s come into his own this year with 34 goals and 62 points in 66 games. He added a goal and seven assists for eight points in seven games as the Bulldogs fell in the first round of the OHL playoffs to the Kingston Frontenacs. Strome is already one of the Bulldogs leaders and most important players at 17-years-old.
Strome has appeared for Canada at the international level. He played for Team Canada Black at the 2015 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, and also appeared for the Under 18 squad at the Ivan Hlinka tournament and the IIHF Under 18 World Championships.
Matthew Strome Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #43
Left Wing — shoots Left
Born January 6th 1999 — Mississauga, Ontario
Height 6’3″ — Weight 203 lbs [191 cm / 92 kg]
Skating
Like his brother Dylan, Matthew Strome has outstanding hockey IQ, but could spend some time working on his skating going forward. He has heavy feet, and needs to work on his first step, as well as his acceleration. His stride lacks fluidity, and takes away from his maximum potential speed. Strome could also work on his agility, and edge work. Overall this is the weakest part of his game. One area that Strome is decent in though is his balance. This helps him to establish position in front of the net, or fight for pucks in the corners.
Offensive Game
Strome has very good vision and excellent passing skills, including the ability to thread the puck through tight areas. His high end hockey IQ allows him to see the play developing and make smart passes to his teammates. His ability to protect the puck down low and work in the cycle game, buys his teammates time to get open. Once they do, he is able to hit them with a tape-to-tape pass. Strome is more of a natural goal scorer than play maker though. He has a heavy wrist shot, with very good accuracy and a quick release. He also has an excellent slap shot, which he can unload off the rush, or as a one timer. Strome also scores goals in tight with soft hands to get deflections and rebounds.
One thing that really stands out about Strome in comparison to his brothers, is the fact he plays as much more of a power forward. He gets in on the fore check and plays the body. He is very physical in the corners as well as battling in front of the net. Stome is also willing to take the puck to the front of the net if he gets the opportunity to do so, coming out of the cycle.
Defensive Game
Lack of foot speed can be an issue for Strome in the defensive zone. Its the reason why he is looking like a winger and won’t be a centre like his brothers. He does a good job of protecting the point though, and blocking shots, as well as cutting down on passing lanes.
Projection and Comparison
Strome could become a second line power forward in the NHL if his development goes well, and he can improve his skating just a bit. Even if he does not, there is still a good chance he carves out an NHL career on a third or fourth line due to his combination of smarts, physical play, and ability to grind down low. In terms of a comparison, his game is reminiscent of Shane Doan. This is a style comparison only though, and not one based on skill.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect available on our draft board.
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