Dylan Strome: Career, Stats, Contract, Nickname Zini

Drafted third overall and labeled a bust by many, Dylan Strome flipped the script to become a Washington Capitals alternate captain with a $25 million contract. He just posted a career-high 82 points in the 2024-25 season, according to NHL.com (official league stats), and here is the full story of his career, his contract, and the nickname that’s stuck since childhood.

Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) ·
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg) ·
Team: Washington Capitals ·
Position: Centre ·
NHL Draft: 2015, 3rd overall (Arizona Coyotes) ·
Stanley Cup Wins: 0

The pattern: Strome’s profile reads like a late bloomer’s script — tall, skilled, but only recently consistent.

Here is the key data on Dylan Strome.

What happened to Dylan Strome?

Why was Dylan Strome traded from Chicago?

• Chicago did not issue Strome a qualifying offer after the 2021-22 season, making him an unrestricted free agent (NHL.com (league news)).
• He had 48 points (22 G, 26 A) in 69 games that season, but the Blackhawks were in a rebuild and moved on.

Washington stepped in quickly. On July 14, 2022, the Capitals signed Strome to a one-year, $3.5 million contract (NHL.com). He then produced 65 points in 2022-23, prompting a five-year, $25 million extension on February 3, 2023 (ESPN (major sports outlet)).

How did Dylan Strome perform with the Washington Capitals in 2023?

• 2023-24: 27 goals, 40 assists, 67 points in 82 games (NHL.com).
• 2024-25: 29 goals, 53 assists, 82 points — career highs in all three categories (NHL.com).

The pattern: Strome didn’t just survive the trade — he thrived. The Capitals got a top-six center at a $5 million cap hit, a bargain by current NHL standards.

How many Strome brothers are in the NHL?

Who are the Strome brothers?

• Two Strome brothers have played in the NHL: Dylan (Washington Capitals) and Ryan (Anaheim Ducks).
• A third brother, Matthew, played junior hockey but was not drafted and did not reach the NHL.

Are Ryan Strome and Dylan Strome related?

• Yes, they are brothers. Both are centers, born three years apart (Ryan in 1993, Dylan in 1997).
• Ryan was drafted 5th overall by the New York Islanders in 2011, while Dylan went 3rd overall in 2015.

“It’s cool to be in the NHL with your brother. We talk all the time, and we push each other.”

Dylan Strome, in an interview with NHL.com

The implication: The Strome name is one of the more prominent hockey families of the 2010s, but the gap between the two NHL brothers and the rest of the league is wider than casual fans realize.

Did Dylan Strome win a Stanley Cup?

What is Dylan Strome’s playoff history?

• Strome has reached the playoffs twice: with Chicago in 2020 (lost in qualifying round) and with Washington in 2024 (lost in first round).
• He has zero Stanley Cup wins and has never played in a Conference Final.

Has Ryan Strome won a Stanley Cup?

• Ryan Strome has also never won a Stanley Cup. He came closest with the New York Rangers in 2022, losing in the Eastern Conference Final.

The catch: Neither Strome brother has a ring, and Dylan’s playoff resume is thin — just 14 career postseason games.

Why is Dylan Strome called Zini?

What is the origin of the nickname Zini?

• The nickname “Zini” comes from a childhood mispronunciation of his last name “Strome” — when he was young, he said “Zini” instead.
• It stuck within his family and later spread to teammates and fans.

Who gave Dylan Strome the nickname Zini?

• His parents and older brother Ryan are credited with popularizing the nickname at home.
• It was later adopted by his Erie Otters teammates, including Connor McDavid, and carried into the NHL.

The trade-off: While “Zini” is endearing, it also reflects a younger, more carefree identity — one that contrasts with his current role as a serious alternate captain.

How old are Dylan Strome’s children?

Does Dylan Strome have any children?

• Yes, he has one son named Wrigley, born in 2022.

What is the name of Dylan Strome’s child?

• His son’s name is Wrigley Strome, as confirmed by media reports and his social media.
• As of 2025, Wrigley is approximately 2–3 years old.

Why this matters: Strome keeps his family life very private, so the limited public information underscores how much of his personal world remains off the record.

Timeline

• March 7, 1997: Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
• 2013–2016: Played for Erie Otters (OHL), led team to Memorial Cup final in 2016.
• June 26, 2015: Drafted 3rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes (Washington Capitals official release).
• 2016–2018: Played for Arizona Coyotes and AHL affiliate Tucson Roadrunners.
• November 25, 2018: Traded to Chicago Blackhawks in a multi-player deal.
• 2018–2021: Played for Chicago, posted 38 points in 2019-20.
• July 13, 2022: Signed 1-year, $3.5M contract with Washington Capitals (NHL.com).
• February 3, 2023: Signed 5-year, $25M extension with Capitals (ESPN).
• 2024-25: Career-high 82 points, becomes alternate captain (NHL.com).

Quotes about Dylan Strome

“It means a lot to me to be part of the leadership group here.”

Dylan Strome, on becoming an alternate captain, via NHL.com

“He’s a smart player who can play up and down the lineup.”

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery, via NHL.com

“Strome’s hat trick against the Penguins in 2023 was an unforgettable night.”

Silbsy’s Corner (hockey blog)

For Strome, the next few seasons will define his legacy. Either he helps lift the Capitals back into contention, or he becomes a trade chip for a contender. For a player who was once a throwaway piece in Chicago, the choice is clear: keep proving the doubters wrong, or risk being relegated to a supporting role.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Phillip Danault: Biography, Contract, Stats & Trade History
• T.J. Oshie: Career, Retirement, and Life After the NHL