Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome has done a lot of growing in D.C., but as he prepares for the "long haul" with the team he's found a home with, he's eager to grow in another key area of his game.
Appearing in all 82 games this past season, the 27-year-old shattered the career highs he set in his first year in D.C., leading the Capitals in scoring and being a crucial part of the team's push to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
While he hopes to continue hitting higher numbers, he hopes that he continues to evolve off the ice as well and mainly wants to focus on staying cool and collected.
"I'm a pretty fiery 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."
That's just part of who Strome is, though. The Ontario native has a relentless motor that motivates him to push harder each year, but he admitted that at times, it can land him in a bit of hot water.
"I'm just a competitive person and really want to win. There's something to learn from that," he noted.
Washington is not only leaning on Strome for offense going forward, but the team also wants him to continue to develop into a leader and help mentor the younger players coming in as the Capitals transition into a less experienced club and enter a new era.
And for Strome, that's exactly the plan.
"I'm in this for the long haul," he said.